Fury as Morrissey brands Chinese 'a sub-species'

CONTROVERSIAL singer Morrissey has been accused of "crude racism" after describing Chinese people as a "sub-species" because of their treatment of animals.

The star, a well-known vegetarian and animal rights campaigner, said the treatment of Chinese circus animals was "absolutely horrific".

He told poet Simon Armitage in a newspaper interview: "Did you see the thing on the news about their treatment of animals and animal welfare? Absolutely horrific. You can't help but feel that the Chinese are a sub-species."

A spokesman for campaign group Love Music Hate Racism, which received a donation of 28,000 from the star in 2008, said it would not accept his support again.

Martin Smith said: "It really is just crude racism. When you start using language like 'sub-species', you are entering into dark and murky water.

"I don't think we would, or could, ask him to come back after that."

Armitage said he thought the singer must have known his remark "would make waves".

He said: "But he's provocative and theatrical, and it was one of dozens of dramatic pronouncements.

"I'm not an apologist for that kind of remark, and couldn't ignore it. But, clearly, when it comes to animal rights and animal welfare, he's absolutely unshakeable in his beliefs."