Bjarki dismisses label partner following transphobic comments on RA Sessions film

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    Wed, Jul 19, 2017, 11:34
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  • The comments were made through the Icelandic artist's label page on an Instagram clip of a live performance by Octo Octa.
  • Bjarki dismisses label partner following transphobic comments on RA Sessions film image
  • A transphobic comment made from the Instagram account of bbbbbb Records, a label co-run by Bjarki, has led to the Icelandic artist apologising and parting ways with his label partner. The comment, which was made on the Instagram clip of this week's RA Sessions performance by Octo Octa, stated: "Better to make it as a DJ to be a she than a he. She-man!" Octo Octa, real name Maya Bouldry-Morrison, had taken to Twitter to confront transphobic comments left below RA's Instagram post (which were deleted by RA), though she didn't specifically mention the comments from Bjarki's bbbbbb Records account. Bouldry-Morrison has no further comment on the issue at this time.
    Following the bbbbbb Records post, a Bjarki show in New York, due to take place on Thursday, July 20th, was cancelled, with the promoter saying it was "not okay with transphobic behavior of any kind."
    Bjarki then made a statement on his Facebook page which quoted an apology from Johnny Chrome Silver, who was joining Bjarki on his North American tour. Johnny Chrome Silver said he takes "full responsibility" for the transphobic comment. Bjarki, meanwhile, said: "The person working for me has now been removed from the label and relieved of his duties, including social media. Those who know me can assure that I do not hate on other artists." He also said the upcoming US tour would be "rescheduled."
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