Jerzy Owsiak has threatened legal action against singer Jan Śpiewak after remarks suggesting the Pol’and’Rock festival promotes excessive drinking, while Śpiewak accused Owsiak of hypocrisy.
Owsiak’s Response to Śpiewak’s Alcoholism Criticisms
On the Pol’and’Rock festival’s official profile, Jerzy Owsiak shared a statement regarding an episode featuring Jan Śpiewak. He criticized the festival’s atmosphere, describing it as one where “drinking has reached the point of divine retribution” and “self-will and lack of restrictions” prevail. Owsiak also noted that Śpiewak implied attendees are people who cannot afford other events, leading to “alcohol abuse” and highlighted “other absurd claims” left for legal review.
Śpiewak Defends Festival Traditions and Condemns Hypocrisy
Śpiewak told Wirtualna Polska that his comments focused on Owsiak promoting a specific alcohol brand. He argued that the WOŚP Foundation, which organizes events often tied to charitable causes, should advocate sobriety rather than alcohol excess. “It’s obvious that people drink at festivals—it’s normal. But a foundation that raises funds for honorable causes should know to promote temperance, not addiction,” Śpiewak stated, adding, “Let Jurek Owsiak hit himself in the head and reflect on what he’s doing.”
Owsiak’s Allegations of Legal Action and Moral Reflection
Owsiak claimed he threatened Śpiewak with legal action, emphasizing his shock at the accusation. He urged Owsiak to “do a moral reckoning” and noted that such criticisms often come from people who have never attended the festival. “The cucumber season [a Polish idiom for cheap excuses] might be the root of these foolish opinions, but listen to the interview,” Owsiak concluded.
Source: Gazeta, Wirtualna Polska
