Music

Stormzy ‘wasn’t involved’ in Atlantic Records boss quitting after blackface controversy


Stormzy is said to have felt strongly about Cook continuing to work at Atlantic (Picture: Reuters)

Stormzy is said to have had ‘no involvement’ in the decision of an Atlantic Records UK boss to step down after being caught up in a race row.

Ben Cook announced on Wednesday that he was departing the label after admitting to dressing up as a member of iconic US rap group, Run DMC, for a birthday party in 2012.

It had been claimed that Stormzy, 26, threatened to quit the label himself after learning Cook had worn blackface but was still allowed to keep his job.

But a Warner spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘That’s simply not true. No artists were involved in our decision-making.’

Cook, 42, who played a large part of launching Ed Sheeran’s career, was said to have been banned from watching Stormzy perform his historic headline set at Glastonbury from the side of the stage this summer.

An insider 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.

‘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.

Cook had worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Cardi B (Picture: Atlantic Records, Twitter)
Stormzy reportedly refused to allow Cook near the stage at Glastonbury (Picture: WireImage)

‘He absolutely believes this was the right thing to do.’

In a statement announcing he had quit, Cook said he simply wanted to honour one of his musical heroes by dressing up as an unspecified member of Run DMC.

‘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.

‘I have learned a great deal from this event and will resolutely continue to champion these values moving forward.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Stormzy for comment.



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