Insights

Atlantic Records boss Ben Cook, mentor to Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, to quit over 'blackface' controversy Save Ben Cook with Atlantic artists Cardi B and Ed Sheeran © Copyright 2020 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC. I have therefore come to the conclusion that I should make this statement and step down, with immediate effect.”, He added: “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. "As a consequence of this, I readily agreed to disciplinary actions by my employer last year. Ben Cook (centre) pictured in 2017 with Cardi B and Ed Sheeran at Atlantic Records UK, Darryl McDaniels and Joseph Simmons from Run DMC performing at The Isle of Wight festival, 2017, Atlantic Records UK ex-president Ben Cook and singer Marina Diamandis, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Cook was at Atlantic for 12 years, first working at the label's sister company Asylum Records, in 2007, where he discovered Sheeran and, along with colleague Ed Howard… Who exactly is the music boss, and what's he said about his surprise decision to step down? A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry, Ice Cube on Role in Developing Trump Campaign's 'Platinum Plan' for Black America | Billboard News, Billie Eilish Posts Racy Photo to Hit Back at Body-Shamers | Billboard News, Ariana Grande Launches Countdown to 'Positions', Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez Join Joe Biden, Encourage Latino Community to Vote, Kelly Clarkson Joins Forces With Pentatonix and Sheila E. to Open 2020 Billboard Music Awards | Billboard News. Parlophone co-president Mark Mitchell will take on the leadership of the label on an interim basis. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. While photos of Cook’s costume have not yet surfaced online, rumors about it have been circulating in the UK for several weeks. ", Warner Music, the parent company of Atlantic, said: "Ben Cook is leaving Atlantic UK and this will be his last week in the office.". © 2020 Billboard. Announcing his departure from Atlantic Records UK, Ben Cook admits he made a "terrible mistake" at a party seven years ago, where he went dressed as a member of American hip-hop group Run DMC. “I unreservedly apologise to anyone who has been hurt.”. While my intention was to honor a musical hero, I recognize my appearance was offensive and I made a terrible mistake.”, Cook went on to say, “As a consequence of this, I readily agreed to disciplinary actions by my employer last year. He also helped to bring grime star Stormzy to the label last year as part of a joint venture with the rapper's own Merky Records outfit. Atlantic UK president Ben Cook is stepping down from his post due to an “offensive” appearance as a member of Run-DMC. Known for his rapport with his artists and the creative process, music supremo Ben Cook is credited with launching Ed Sheeran's career. Since then however, allegations surrounding the party have continued to be made against me. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. A spokesperson for Warner Records confirmed that Cook is leaving the label and “this will be his last week in the office.” Warner sources say Parlophone co-president Mark Mitchell will take on the leadership of Atlantic on an interim basis. All rights reserved.Billboard is part of MRC Media and Info, a division of MRC. While my intention was to honor a musical hero, I recognize my appearance was offensive and I made a terrible mistake.” Presumably his outfit included blackface. Page Six in the US says that while a photo of Cook in costume has not surfaced online, "many presume he wore blackface, prompting his exit from the company". 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Prior to joining Atlantic Records, Cook was head of the record label division of British independent Ministry of Sound. "Seven years ago, at a birthday party where guests were asked to come dressed as their favourite musical icon, I came as a member of Run DMC. I have therefore come to the conclusion that I should make this statement and step down, with immediate effect.”, A statement from Warner Music said only: “Ben Cook is leaving Atlantic UK and this will be his last week in the office.” On Thursday, the company denied a British tabloid report that rapper Stormzy had played a role in Cook’s departure. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). “Since then however, allegations surrounding the party have continued to be made against me. Mr Cook was promoted to Atlantic's president in 2014. Cook was promoted to president of Atlantic U.K. in 2014 following his successful six-year tenure as president of Asylum Records U.K. where he was responsible for … Cook was named president of Atlantic Records UK in 2014. News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services. However he will step down from his role, after photographs were unearthed of Ben Cook dressed as Run DMC for a party. The blackface makeup was allegedly part of a Run D.M.C. Among his early successes back then was securing the first UK release for each one of the future members of Swedish House Mafia. “As a consequence of this, I readily agreed to disciplinary actions by my employer last year,” he continues.

The Sleepover Cast Travis, Saving Private Ryan Openload, Nba 2k19, Has Mickey Rourke Ever Won An Oscar, Fareb Meaning, Pyroclastic Flow Warframe, Helen Potts Carlyle, Sal 9000, Miracle In Cell No 7 Netflix,