American rock band Portugal.The Man have pulled out of an appearance on Seven’s Sunrise this morning citing its uncomfortableness with the current racism controversy engulfing the programme.
The embattled breakfast show has been inundated with complaints and protests ever since the airing of a controversial segment in mid-March about the adoption of indigenous children, namely those at risk of abuse.
Portugal.The Man were due to perform their hit Feel It Still on this morning’s episode, however, announced their decision to can the performance via an Instagram post.
“We do not want to be part of that show at this time,” the post read. “We come from rural Alaska and hold very close to our hearts the indigenous people of our home.
“While we are by no means experts in your countries [sic] history we know there are problems that, like ours, are yet to be resolved and only being amplified by the recent statements on Sunrise.”
Seven were alerted to the cancellation last night and a spokesperson for the broadcaster said: “We respect the band’s decision and wish them well on the remainder of their Australian tour.”