Dr K Interviewed On The Piers Morgan Show About The 'Chinese Incident'

Summary

In a striking episode at a London train station, Brendan Kavanagh, known as Dr K, found himself at the center of a free speech controversy. While performing on a public piano, he was confronted by a group of Chinese tourists demanding he stop filming, claiming image rights. The situation escalated when police sided with the tourists, citing potential offense. The incident, which was live-streamed, highlights the complexities of public expression and cultural sensitivities. Despite the confrontation, Kavanagh advocates for free speech, emphasizing the incident as a testament to its prevailing value. The video's potential removal from YouTube has sparked further debate on free speech and censorship.

Takeaways

• 😮 Dr. K was playing piano in public when a group of Chinese tourists demanded he stop filming
• 😠 The tourists claimed they had rights over Dr. K's filming since he captured their image
• 😤 Dr. K asserts his rights to film in a public space in a free country
• 😡 A man from the tourist group gets angry and physical with a woman in Dr. K's group
• 🤨 Police take the side of the Chinese tourists, alleging Dr. K was racist for saying 'we're not in China'
• ⚠️ YouTube strikes Dr. K's video for the incident, risking the content being removed
• 👏 The video goes viral with over 6 million views
• 🎹 Dr. K's friend finds the piano cordoned off in mysterious circumstances the next day
• 🎉 By the following day, protests have succeeded in getting the piano back in use
• 💪 Dr. K asserts the right to free speech prevailed, but the situation remains sensitive

Q & A

What happened when Dr. K was playing piano in public?

Dr. K was approached by a group of Chinese tourists waving flags who demanded he stop filming. The police backed the tourists and had the piano cordoned off afterwards.

How did Dr. K react to the Chinese tourists?

Dr. K stood his ground on free speech, pointing out they were in a free country and he had the right to film. He got angry when one of the tourists touched a woman in his group.

What was the reaction of the police officer?

The police officer took the side of the Chinese tourists. She claimed Dr. K hurt their feelings by saying they weren't in China. She told him to stop filming and delete his footage.

Why does Dr. K think the police acted that way?

Dr. K believes the police acquiesced to the Chinese to avoid offending them and were politically correct rather than defending free speech principles.

What is happening with the viral video online?

The video is at risk of being taken down from YouTube after two strikes against it, likely due to Chinese pressure. Dr. K is urging people to download it in case it disappears.

What does this incident say about free speech?

Dr. K sees it as a "mini parable" demonstrating the persistent value of free speech despite attempts to shut it down.

Has Dr. K returned to play the piano again?

No, but a friend found the piano is now back in use after being shut down. Dr. K hints he may return to play this Friday.

How did the police interaction end?

The Chinese tourists called the police claiming Dr. K was violent and threatening. About 5 officers came but ultimately left without major incident.

What was the reaction online to the incident?

The video went viral with over 6 million views, likely because it hit a nerve regarding free speech and Chinese censorship overreach.

Who donated the public piano Dr. K was playing?

The piano was donated by musician Elton John. His team was contacted about the shutdown and helped get the piano reopened.