Shared Opinion: Tweets from Missy Higgins and Others on Cabbie Snubbing Gurrumul, Mixed Reactions, General Frustration
Missy Higgins says reported racism in Australia makes her sad
Multi-award winning blind indigenous artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu aka Gurrumul was denied a cab ride Tuesday night after he performed with Missy Higgins at The Palais in St Kilda in Melbourne. His talent managers claim the cabbie, who stopped after being hailed, saw Gurrumul exiting The Palais and took off.
Read: Missy Higgins on 'Racist' Cabbie Rejecting Gurrumul: 'So sad that this still happens in our country' [VIDEO]
Australians expressed on Twitter mixed reactions on a cabbie's refusal to take Gurrumul as his passenger. The tweets generally sounded off disappointment and embarrassment that such a racist act has victimized a brilliant artist -- and worse, it wasn't the first time (according to his managers).
At least one tweet, however, sees the situation from the other side. What could that driver be thinking? It is understood Gurrumul was being aided as he walked. Could he have wrongly assumed he was drunk and could cause trouble? Still, the cabbie could have given his prospective passenger the benefit of the doubt.
In the future, it would be of great convenience to Gurrumul if event organizers and his managers could secure a ride for him before and after the show.
Gurrumul Tweets: After the 'Everyone's Waiting' Performance with Missy Higgins
Goosebumps tonight when @missyhiggins sang Everyone's Waiting with Gurrumul at the Palais. Hope that was being recorded - sounded amazing - cameron adams @cameron_adams
Magical Missy Melted My Mind & Gorgeous Gurrumul Gave Goosevenbumps. WHAT a concert!! Thanku @missyhiggins - Magaly Lamvohee @maglamvohee1
Amazing @missyhiggins gig! Loved the Everyone's Waiting duet with @gurrumul. - Cathy Anderson @cathryngirl
Gurrumul Tweets: After the Cabbie Snub Incident
"So sad that this still happens in our country," Missy Higgins tweeted.
Depressing. RT @abcnews Taxi driver refuses to pick up singer Gurrumul - Natasha Mitchell @natashamitchell
@missyhiggins both sad and embarrassed it happened. I'm sorry #Gurrumul we love to see you perform and be a guest in our city. - Tania James @taniazjames
Disturbing to hear reports Gurrumul was refused a cab in Melb. If thats the case what a disgrace- in this day and age we're better than that - Warren Snowdon @manwiththemo
Gurrumul: The Other Side of the News
To the untrained eye Gurrumul might of looked like an old drunk aboriginal man.As a taxi driver I may think twice about picking him up too.- StevoTM @TheStevoExpress
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