It's always important to remember our history, take responsibility for our ancestors' actions, and try our best to improve. But there's a time and a place for discussing historical events and conflicts.
As fans of Coldplay pointed out, bringing up intense political conflict during a concert might not be the best choice.
While performing in Mumbai, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin surprised and confused his audience by not only thanking the audience for being so welcoming of the British band but for "forgiving" them for "British Colonialism."
In between sets, Martin exclaimed to the crowd:
"This is our fourth visit to India, and the second time to play."
"This is the first time we played a long show, and we could not have asked for a better audience. Thank you for coming today, everybody!"
"Thank you for welcoming us even though we are from Great Britain. Thanks for forgiving us for all the bad things Great Britain has done."
One X (Twitter) user recorded the event:
"Not Chris Martin apologising for colonialism at Coldplay Mumbai."
An Instagrammer was similarly confused when they shared their recording of the moment:
"Screaming fr"
The two videographers' confusion spread throughout the comments section, leaving fans and onlookers unsure of what to think.
Some found Martin's comment to be ridiculously funny or just plain ridiculous.
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
Others were much more critical of the comment and suggested it was an empty gesture.
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
However, some were touched by the comment and were grateful that Martin was trying to make a change, however small.
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
@hunar_anand/Instagram
While Martin might have meant to simply recognize a country welcoming him and the rest of his band despite past political conflict, the comment did not land how he might have hoped.
Some appreciated the gesture, but for most, past actions spoke far louder than current words.
@PreetBharara/X
@RepBrendanBoyle/X
@twesq/Bluesky
@christopherharris/Bluesky
@evangelinewarren/X
@FrankC164/X
AMC