British rock musician Yungblud has ignited a global conversation after a profanity-filled speech in support of protesters in Iran went viral online. The 28-year-old artist, real name Dominic Harrison, made the impassioned address during a sold-out performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"Nobody is free until we are all free"
In a clip widely shared on Instagram, Yungblud directly referenced Mahsa Amini, the young Iranian woman whose death in morality police custody sparked nationwide unrest. "Two years ago, I spoke about a girl called Mahsa Amini from Iran, who was murdered for not wearing her hijab," he told the crowd.
He was careful to frame his comments, stating: "And no, it is not my prerogative to question somebody’s religion. But this community fights for equality and liberation throughout the f***ing world." The singer emphasised that the current movement in Iran is "led by the f***ing women".
He detailed the severe conditions faced by protesters, saying they had endured internet and electricity blackouts for four days. "They are in darkness – they are asking for our voice," he declared, before issuing a direct call to action to his audience.
A Call to Action and Fan Reaction
Yungblud implored his fans to amplify the message. "We have to be their f***ing light right now. So speak, shout, post, because they are fighting for freedom," he urged. He concluded with a powerful statement: "They are fighting for their freedom, they are fighting for our freedom. Nobody is free until we are all f***ing free."
The video prompted an outpouring of support in the comments. One fan wrote, "So grateful to you for being the voice of Iran – my beloved country with its brave people." Others praised him for using his platform to stand against tyranny and for making people feel "seen and heard".
Context and Tour Continuation
The singer's comments come as Iran faces sustained nationwide protests, driven by economic hardship and political repression. Authorities have responded with force, implementing strict internet controls. Casualties are feared to be in the tens of thousands, and the judiciary has threatened protesters with execution.
Yungblud's Australian 'Idols' tour continues despite the viral moment. After performances in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, he is scheduled for two shows in Brisbane on 17 and 18 January, before wrapping up in Perth on 20 January.
He received a hero's welcome upon arriving in Brisbane on Friday, mobbed by excited fans at the airport—a scene mirroring the frenzy he caused earlier in the month at a gallery event in Sydney's Newtown, where around 400 fans gathered.
