George Lazenby, who played James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), has had his contract cancelled and been labelled “homophobic” after presenting a jarring speech during a concert tribute to the 007 franchise.

Lazenby took to the stage during a show called The Music of James Bond with George Lazenby at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday night. While he was scheduled to appear in subsequent shows, it’s since been revealed that the actor has been removed from upcoming instalments due to his controversial statements.

A person who attended the show called Perth radio show 6PR radio and said Lazenby made “homophobic” and “disgusting” remarks.

“He spent all of the interview just talking about basically his sexual conquests, he was homophobic, he swore, he certainly wasn’t talking about his Bond movies, he downplayed the Queen a day after she died,” the caller said.

“It was absolutely unbelievable … at one point he named an Australian cricketer whose daughter he was chasing and he said he dragged the daughter out of the pub and put her in the car in London, which again is of course horrific.

“He named women who he had slept with, and there were children in the audience.

“There were a lot families who had brought their kids probably to their first-ever classical music concert.

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“It wasn’t even charming, it wasn’t even funny. It was creepy, it was offensive … it was absolutely horrific behaviour.”

The caller’s sentiments were echoed by the organisers of the event, Concertworks released a statement saying that they had cut ties with the actor for the upcoming shows.

The production company said it was “extremely saddened and disappointed” by Lazenby’s language, comments and recollections.

“These were his personal views and there is no excuse for this in today’s society,” a statement read.

“They do not reflect the views of Concertworks. On behalf of Concertworks, we sincerely apologise to the audience, performers, conductor, WASO and the Perth Concert Hall.

“Concertworks denounces Mr Lazenby’s conduct and the final Music of James Bond concert in Melbourne will proceed without Mr Lazenby in attendance.”

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