VANCOUVER (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Canadian promoter Bruce Allen has sparked a storm of controversy after candidly expressing some of his views on immigration and cultural integration during a segment on Canadian talk-radio station CKNW.
The remarks, which started as a self-described rant in which he called to task those who were engaged in "immigrant bashing", quickly turned into exactly what he was decrying, when he suggested that immigrants to Canada should "shut up and fit in" and that if they didn't like it, that "We don't need you here. You have another place to go. It's called home. See ya."
Allen's remarks have drawn fire from numerous sources, including immigrant activist groups and even an MP, Raymond Chan, who was formerly the Minister of Multiculturalism. Chan has lodged complain with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and has called for Allen to step down from the creative team developing the open and closing ceremony for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics.
Allen, who represents some major Canuck talent such as Bryan Adams and Michael Bublé, has attempted to defuse the issue by making an on-air apology and meeting with representatives from the Sikh and Muslim communities. The contrition has won some of his critics over "We are glad that Mr. Allen came on air in a sincere fashion to clarify his earlier comments." said one Sikh student group, the Globe & Mail reported, but not everyone is on board. Chan feels that the apology was weak and an attempt to shift blame. "It is an attempt to blame the media and others for the trouble Mr. Allen got himself into when he should really be taking responsibility for himself." Chan told the Globe & Mail. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
