A transphobic comment from the Instagram account of Bjarki’s bbbbbb Records was posted on a video of Octo Octa and has since sparked outrage.
Trans artist Octo Octa, also known as Maya Bouldry-Morrison, recently performed for Resident Advisor’s RA Sessions with a live set of her eclectic blend of house and techno. A clip from the recording was posted on Instagram, which prompted numerous transphobic comments.
One such comment came from the Instagram account of Bjarki’s bbbbbb Records, the label co-owned by the Icelandic artist who is also an affiliate of Nina Kraviz’s ᴛрип imprint. The comment read: “Better to make it as a DJ to be a she than a he. She-man!”
Bjarki has released a statement following the cancellation of two events. He has parted with his label partner Johnny Chrome Silver, who admitted to making the comments in a statement of his own. You can read both statements
“Those who know me can assure that I do not hate on other artists.”
Bjarki revealed it was Silver who made the comment. He also announced he is postponing the label’s tour and apologized for what took place: “My deepest apologies to Maya, my fans, and the entire LGBTQQ community on behalf of my label for my partners inappropriate comments. 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.”
The controversy occurred when the bbbbbb Records Instagram account commented on a video of trans artist Octo Octa, aka Maya Bouldry-Morrison, performing during Resident Advisor’s RA Sessions. The comment, which has since been deleted, read: “Better to make it as a DJ to be a she than a he. She-man!”
Shortly after the comments surfaced, Brooklyn venue House of Yes and U Street Music Hall in Washington, D.C. announced the cancellation of their upcoming events headlined by Bjarki.
Johnny Chrome Silver also made a statement, in which he admitted to posting the initial comment: “I feel so bad regarding the stupid comment I made on bbbbbb label’s Instagram, I never meant to do no harm, so sad that it went this way. I take full responsibility. It was not correct, Bjarki makes music not war. Hope you can forgive me Maya, it was never suppose to sound like this. Those who know us understand our bullshit better. Hope to see you soon.”
Read Bjarki’s full statement below.
“This might be the first time I write a Facebook post. I don’t remember my twitter logins so I post it here. I’M GUTTED, horrible to be in this situation. There is nothing more I dislike than ignorant and negative posts about gender roles in music. My deepest apologies to Maya, my fans, and the entire LGBTQQ community on behalf of my label for my partners inappropriate comments. 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. Unfortunately, due to the timing of this incident, we feel it necessary to reschedule the tour, only because we would like to come back and make a more concerted effort to transgender organizations and artist to be included for the make up date. Embarrassing enough my label has trans-gender artist on board and I would never want to hurt any of my friends. We will continue to support artists with no discrimination, and will NOT CONDONE the actions of those who do not exude compassion, empathy, and understanding for all. Sincerely Bjarki R. Sigurdarson”
