Australian musician Adam Hyde, one half of the electronic duo Peking Duk, has delivered a raw and emotional public message following the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Junction Westfield on Sunday.
A Personal Loss for a Local Community
In a TikTok video shared on Wednesday, the 35-year-old performer, who also goes by the stage name Keli Holiday, disclosed the profound personal impact the tragedy has had on his inner circle. Hyde revealed that his best friend had lost multiple friends and family friends in the stabbing rampage that shocked the nation.
"In the wake of the horror and tragedy, I first off want to send all my love and strength and light to all the victims and the victims' families, and the Jewish community," Hyde began. He emphasised his deep connection to the area, stating, "It's a community that I live in. I was there earlier that day, watching all the families enjoy their Sunday, as we all have a right to do."
Shock in a Nation of Strict Gun Laws
The artist expressed his disbelief that such violence could occur in Australia, a country known for its stringent firearm regulations. "It's such a shock when this happens in our beautiful country, Australia, where we're so firm on gun control. Yet this happens," he said.
While admitting he was lost for words, Hyde stressed the importance of community and love in the face of adversity. "The one thing that's become apparent to me, now more than ever, is that community is everything and love is everything," he shared. His message concluded with a call for unity: "We do have each other, and if we stick together and make it through the night, there is a brighter day. So hold onto the ones you love. Tell them you love them."
Abbie Chatfield's Plea for Sensitivity and Solidarity
Hyde's partner, podcast host and media personality Abbie Chatfield, also spoke out about the attack earlier in the week. The 30-year-old Bondi local confirmed she and Hyde were safe before praising her community's bravery.
In a series of Instagram stories on Sunday night, Chatfield issued a crucial plea to social media users. She urged people to be mindful of victims and those affected when posting graphic content online. "Please don't traumatise those affected further," she wrote. "It goes without saying that people who were directly impacted do not need to see that footage."
Chatfield connected the recent attack to the collective grief still felt from the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbings, a trauma from which the community is "still recovering from". She passionately defended Bondi's character, countering stereotypes of vapidity. "This part of the world is a true community full of people from all ages, all life paths, all cultures and countries," she stated. "I have never felt so connected to a place that I have lived."
In a separate slide, Chatfield directly condemned the anti-Semitic nature of the attacks. "The Jewish community is one of the foundations of Bondi," she shared. "I am so sorry. I am sending love to Jewish people everywhere tonight, especially in our local community." She apologised if her posts were not perfectly eloquent, explaining, "I am fairly upset and feel very confused and shocked. I can't believe this is happening again."
