Action Bronson has had controversy catch up with him, with the George Washington University (located in Washington, D.C.) removing him from the lineup of their Spring Fling concert after a backlash concerning his supposedly misogynistic and transphobic lyrics.
A wealth of complaints from students forced the university’s hands, with particular attention cast to the rapper’s songs Consensual Rape and his video for his song Brunch. The editor of the student magazine labelled Action Bronson – real name Arian Asllani – “a blatant misogynist” who also has a “history of transphobia”.
The decision to remove Action Bronson from Spring Fling also follows his removal from Toronto festival NXNE for similar reasons. “We apologize for causing distress over the past few days and for attempting to bring an artist who is not consistent with our values of diversity and inclusion,” the GWU Program Board said in a statement.
Action Bronson has since released a statement concerning his removal. He says that while Consensual Rape may have misogynistic lyrics, he doesn’t intend all his stories to be taken literally.
“Regardless, I understand that when it comes to musicians, and more specifically rappers, the lyrics I say are taken to heart many times as a representation of my beliefs or true feelings,” he continued. “So, please let me make this very clear: I think rape and acts of violence toward woman are DISGUSTING. I would never condone anything remotely close to that type of behavior, and it’s certainly not what I’m about at all.
“But the song in question has caused people discomfort and pain and I’m sincerely sorry about it. It was not my intention to hurt people when I made it years ago, and I certainly will be much more sensitive on this matter moving ahead.”
Bronson also made note of an “insensitive Instagram post” and says he has met with members of the LGBT community “to understand how to avoid being hurtful and insensitive towards these issues moving forward.”
“I’m far, far from perfect and I recognize my flaws and I’m making an effort to grow and be a better human.”
Read Action Bronson’s full open letter and the GW Program Board’s statement below.
To the Students at George Washington University and the public at large:I’m writing this letter to hopefully bring... Posted by Action Bronson on Thursday, 31 March 2016
The Program Board has decided to remove Action Bronson from Saturday’s setlist. We apologize to the GW community for... Posted by GWU Program Board on Thursday, 31 March 2016
