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Published 13:59 21 Dec 2018 GMT
Updated 14:06 21 Dec 2018 GMT
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After a backlash on social media, Williamson then deleted the tweet and apologised, claiming he was unaware of Atzmon's views.
"Earlier today I tweeted a petition about an Islington Council ban against the Blockheads performing with their chosen line up," Williamson wrote. "The council has blocked jazz musician Gilad Atzmon from playing with the group.
"Since then I've learned that Atzmon, a former Israeli soldier, is not confined to the jazz world. I am told that in various blogs and in speeches he has adopted anti-Semitic language. I wasn't aware of this until after I tweeted the petition.
"As soon as I was informed, I deleted the tweet. I've always condemned all forms of racism, including ant-Semitism, and strongly disassociate myself from Atzmon's anti-Semitic views. I therefore apologise for tweeting this petition and any distress or offence it may have caused."
Anti-racist group Hope Not Hate said Williamson tweeting support for Atzmon was "totally unacceptable" and "Labour should suspend Williamson immediately."
The Jewish Labour Movement also reiterated its previous calls for Williamson to be suspended from the party.
https://twitter.com/JewishLabour/status/1076107389743624193
In a statement, the group wrote: "Chris Williamson is a Jew baiter. Supporting Atzmon is baiting Jews. And Chris Williamson has been baiting Jews in the party for too long unchecked. No more ifs or buts.
"We expect Chris Williamson to be suspended from the Labour Party today."
A Labour party spokesperson said: "Gilad Atzmon is a vile antisemite. Chris Williamson has said he was not aware of Atzmon‘s appalling views and rightly apologised for his tweet."
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