Paloma Faith has apologised to fans in Gibraltar after addressing a crowd with “Hola España”, sparking boos from audience members.
The singer offended audience members at the Gibraltar Music Festival by confusing the British overseas territory with Spain. Gibraltar has been ruled by Britain since 1713 under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht, but Spain continues to claim sovereignty over it. Residents of Gibraltar are British citizens, and most speak English and Spanish.
After shouting ‘Hola Espana,’ she reportedly added: “It’s great to be in a place that’s half English and half Spanish”, prompting more boos. Her mistake was eventually pointed out when jeers continued well into her next song, leading Faith to issue a “rambling apology that lasted more than five minutes”, according to The Telegraph.
She also apologised on Twitter for offending Gibraltians about their heritage, which she said she had no intention of doing.
If I offended anyone tonight in Gibraltar about their heritage Im sorry.I had no intention of doing that.i come in peace!I only bring love
; Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) September 5, 2015
In a second message a day later, she added: “I just wish that people could be kinder to one another and more compassionate and forgiving. There’s too much anger in the world already”.
Representatives for Faith declined to comment any further.
