John Williamson has shared a statement on social media after his classic song, True Blue, was reportedly played during a March for Australia anti-immigration protest on Sunday (19 October).

“‘True Blue’ is a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division,” Williamson wrote on Facebook today (21 October).

He added, “I believe in a multicultural society - one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms.”

As ABC reports, the Melbourne edition of the rally was met with opposition from an anti-racism counter-protest, with tensions boiling over between the groups and two Victoria Police officers hospitalised. Turnouts for the March for Australia protests were lower nationwide compared to the inaugural marches in late August.

Matt Trihey, from the National Workers Alliance, said he organised the weekend’s protest in Melbourne. He previously claimed that people with “European blood” are confronted with an “existential threat” from immigration.

This isn’t the first time that Williamson responded after his music was reportedly used at political rallies.

In 2015, he took to social media after True Blue was used at Reclaim Australia rallies, saying that they “did not” have his approval to use the song.

He added, “I would prefer the song be used to celebrate togetherness in our great country. How about holding a rally for ‘Love’ and see who turns up. Hatred never solves anything.”

Earlier this year, Australian artists, including Jimmy Barnes, ICEHOUSE, and The Living End, reacted after their music was played at anti-immigration rallies.

A PR representative for both ICEHOUSE and Barnes told The Music that “no approval was sought, and no permission was given, for the use of their works at the rallies.”

The Living End also took to their Instagram Stories to alert fans to the fact that two of their songs were “played at the anti-immigration marches over the weekend by members of a neo-Nazi group.”

“To be absolutely clear, the goals and philosophies of these marches are abhorrent to us, and we don't support them in any way,” the statement – jointly signed by Chris Cheney, Scott Owen, and Andy Strachan – read.

“The Living End's worldview is about equality, and we aim for our songs to be a positive influence. We believe in a fair go for everyone. Our songs are written to bring people together, not to divide them, and especially not to be used in this way.”