Ferry apologises for pro-Nazi statement

Singer Bryan Ferry apologised "unreservedly" today for his comments about the Nazis.

The star reportedly described the regime as "just amazing" during an interview.

A statement released on Ferry's behalf said he was "deeply upset" by the publicity concerning himself and Nazi Germany.

It continued: "I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused by my comments on Nazi iconography, which were solely made from an art history perspective.

"I, like every right-minded individual, find the Nazi regime, and all it stood for, evil and abhorrent."

The Roxy Music singer reportedly revealed he calls his West London studio his Fuhrerbunker, a title associated with Hitler's headquarters.

He reportedly said: "The Nazis knew how to put themselves in the limelight and present themselves.

"Leni Riefenstahl's movies and Albert Speer's buildings and the mass parades and the flags - just amazing. Really beautiful."

The comments were said to have been made to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

Calls were made for Marks & Spencer, for whom he models clothes and which historically has Jewish links, to re-think their contract with him.

Labour peer Lord Janner of Braunstone QC, who campaigns on behalf of those affected by the Holocaust, said he hoped Marks & Spencer would deal with the matter appropriately and identify with Ferry's apology.

The Cardiff-born 78-year-old said: "I am very pleased that he has apologised.

"I trust that he will never make the same mistake again."

He said it was "100%" right that the 61-year-old singer should have said sorry, adding: "It does not wipe out what he did.

"What matters is that he has apologised."

Lord Janner is formerly President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the main representative body of British Jewry and works to achieve compensation and restitution for Holocaust victims.

When asked about Ferry's remarks and his subsequent apology, Marks & Spencer said it did not give its opinions on views that were expressed by people in other situations.

A spokeswoman for the company would not comment when asked whether it planned to review Ferry's contract.