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Stormzy ‘threatened to quit his label’ over Ben Cook’s ‘offensive’ Run DMC costume

The music label boss has since stepped down

Stormzy reportedly threatened to quit his record label over Ben Cook’s “offensive” Run DMC costume.

Last year, a picture of the Atlantic Records chief dressed up as a member of Run DMC at a birthday party in 2012 allegedly surfaced online.

According to The Sun, grime rapper Stormzy was infuriated by the photo, and he reportedly told bosses at parent company Warner Music that he would quit if they didn’t take action.

 

A source said: “When Stormzy found out what had gone on, and that he had been allowed to stay, he was furious.”

Run DMC

“He stepped in and made it clear he would not be prepared to keep working with them if Ben stayed, and also that he might go public with the details of why.

“He clearly saw this as a major issue and felt he had a responsibility to use his influence to highlight it — and to ensure incidents like this are taken seriously. He absolutely believes this was the right thing to do.”

The newspaper has also claimed that Stormzy banned Ben from standing at the side of the stage during his headline gig at Glastonbury back in June.

The record label boss, who helped launch Ed Sheeran’s career, has since stepped down as the President of Atlantic Records.

In a statement shared yesterday, Mr. Cook wrote: “It is with great sadness that today I announce I am stepping down as President of Atlantic Records, UK.”

“Seven years ago, at a birthday party where guests were asked to come dressed as their favorite musical icon, I came as a member of Run-DMC. Late last year rumors began to circulate about my appearance at that event, many of which are simply untrue.”

“While my intention was to honor a musical hero, I recognize my appearance was offensive and I made a terrible mistake,” he continued.

Ben Cook with Cardi B and Ed Sheeran | Twitter

“As a consequence of this, I readily agreed to disciplinary actions by my employer last year. Since then however, allegations surrounding the party have continued to be made against me.”

“Moreover, they have been used against a wonderful company and the label I love. I have therefore come to the conclusion that I should make this statement and step down, with immediate effect.”

 

 

“I am devastated that this mistake has caused upset and has called into question my commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, values which I have championed throughout my career. I have learned a great deal from this event and will resolutely continue to champion these values moving forward.

He added: “It has been an incredible privilege to have worked with the immensely talented artists, managers and team at Atlantic and the wider Warner family. I unreservedly apologise to anyone who has been hurt.”

 

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