It’s been revealed Stormzy did not play a part in the departure of an Atlantic Records boss, who had been allowed to keep his job after wearing blackface at a party in 2012.
Ben Cook, 42, who was a large part of launching Ed Sheeran’s career, quit the record label on Wednesday after admitting dressing up as a member of US rap group Run DMC for a birthday party in 2012.
However, it had been claimed that Stormzy’s fury was a big reason why Cook ultimately left, as he allegedly made it clear he would leave the label if no changes were made.
But a rep for Cook told Metro.co.uk: ‘That’s simply not true.
‘No artists were involved in our decision-making.’
A source had previously told The Sun: ‘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,’ a source close to the situation claimed.
Stormzy, real name Michael Owuo Jr, has had a rollercoaster few years after winning Best Grime Act at the 2014 and 2015 MOBO Awards and then named as an artist to watch in the BBC’s Sound of 2015 list.
His debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, became the first grime album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart and won British Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards.
He is an outspoken critic of the UK government and wore a Union Jack stab vest designed by Banksy for his 2019 Glastonbury headline slot as a response to the rising knife crime incidents in the UK.
It has been alleged that the 26-year-old banned the 42-year-old music boss from standing side of the stage during his headline gig at the annual festival.
Speaking to The Sun, the insider added: ‘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.’
In a statement, Cook said: ‘While my intention was to honour a musical hero, I recognise my appearance was offensive and I made a terrible mistake.
‘I am devastated this mistake has caused upset and has called into question my commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Stormzy for comment.
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