…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
A Welsh councillor, Dave Jones, found himself in hot water after sharing a Facebook post featuring the song “Kill the King” by rock band Rainbow.
This incident sparked criticism from angered royalists, who accused Jones of being anti-monarchy.
Despite the backlash, Jones claims that his intention was not to offend anyone or target the current King Charles III.
The Controversial Facebook Post:
Jones, a Labour councillor representing the Glyn-y-Marl ward in Llandudno Junction, uploaded the song onto his personal Facebook “story” alongside a picture of Conwy Castle, five days after King Charles III’s coronation.
The lyrics of the song, “Kill the King, Tear Him Down, Kill the King, yeah, Strike him Down,” were automatically added to the post by Facebook.
However, the post has since been removed.
Jones’ Explanation:
According to Jones, the Facebook post was not meant to be anti-monarchy.
He clarified that he has a separate councillor page dedicated to providing information, but this particular post was shared on his personal Facebook page.
Jones states that he used a picture of Conwy Castle, built by King Edward I, to accompany the song by Rainbow.
He argues that the song choice was influenced by the castle’s historical significance, as Edward I constructed it to exert control over North Wales.
Jones asserts that his post was unrelated to the current monarch and that he intended it as a lighthearted reference to history.
Analysis of Jones’ Statement:
Jones defends his actions by emphasizing the historical context of Conwy Castle and its connection to King Edward I.
He maintains that his choice of the song “Kill the King” was purely coincidental, driven by the castle’s historical significance rather than any negative sentiment towards King Charles III.
While his explanation appears plausible, it is essential to consider the timing of the post, as it was shared just days after the new king’s coronation.
This could have contributed to the perception that Jones’ post was intentionally provocative, regardless of his stated intentions.
Reaction and Political Implications:
An angry constituent shared Jones’ post on Twitter, addressing Labour leader Keir Starmer in the tweet.
This incident drew attention to the controversy and placed additional pressure on Jones.
However, it is crucial to note that Jones’ actions were carried out on his personal Facebook page, not in his capacity as a councillor.
The spokeswoman for Conwy County Council clarified that the post was made by Jones in his personal capacity and does not reflect the council’s position.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Dave Jones’ Facebook post featuring the song “Kill the King” highlights the complexities of online expression and the potential for misinterpretation.
While Jones maintains that his intentions were innocent and unrelated to the current monarchy, the timing and choice of song lyrics can be seen as questionable.
The incident serves as a reminder that public figures should be mindful of the potential consequences of their online actions, even on personal platforms.