Croatian singer Marko Perković Thompson Tuesday denied claims that he charged a fee to perform at the reception for Croatia’s national handball team in Zagreb, rejecting what his team described as “false and malicious” information circulating in public.
In a statement posted on social media, Thompson’s management said neither the singer nor his team had ever charged for performing at official receptions for Croatian athletes.
“The reception of Croatian athletes has never been, and will never be, charged by Thompson or his team, including last year when the organiser was the City of Zagreb,” the statement said. “Any claim suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and misleading.”
The statement also addressed criticism over the choice of songs performed during the event, following comments that Thompson did not sing his controversial wartime song “Bojna Čavoglave”. Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević said earlier that the government had not allowed Thompson to perform the song or chant its opening slogan.
Thompson’s team said the selection of songs at sports receptions is decided exclusively by the athletes themselves.
“We emphasise that the choice of songs at sports receptions is made solely by the athletes, in line with their wishes and emotions. Neither the performer nor his team interfere in this process,” the statement said.
The dispute follows a broader political disagreement over the organisation of the reception for Croatia’s bronze medal-winning handball team. The City of Zagreb initially began preparations for the event but refused to allow Thompson to perform at the main square.
The Croatian Handball Federation later announced the reception would be cancelled, prompting the government to take over the organisation in cooperation with the federation and invite Thompson to perform.
Tomašević accused the government of violating municipal regulations by failing to seek approval for the use of public space and said the city assembly would request a constitutional review of the government’s decision.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković rejected the accusations, describing them as retroactive complaints raised after the event had already taken place.