UNIFY Festival have removed I Killed The Prom Queen from their 2019 lineup, following a widespread backlash in the wake of comments made by former member Michael Crafter, who was to re-appear as a guest singer for the band’s 2005 nostalgia set.
Here’s what UNIFY had to say about it:
“These comments fall well short of today’s community standards and were considered deeply offensive to many people within our music community.
“These comments are completely unacceptable and contrary to our deeply held values and beliefs that music is for everyone and to be enjoyed by all.
“We want to create a culture of positive change within the music industry and it’s our responsibility to call out unacceptable behaviour wherever we see it.
“UNIFY is committed to ensuring a safe place for anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy music. This is why we jointly launched the ‘Your Choice’ initiative, aimed at addressing cultural issues and harmful behaviour within the music festival landscape.
“On reflection, we acknowledge that Michael Crafter shouldn’t have been chosen to appear at Unify Gathering 2019. We’d like to acknowledge that the members of the band have been really open and helpful in this conversation, and we wish them the best moving forward.”
The comments in question were made by Crafter in 2016, speaking about the issue of gender diversity on UNIFY’s lineup.
“Women want to be equal… get fucking better at being in a band,”Crafter posted in a Facebook thread. “End of the day a festival is about getting cunts to shows. Not giving someone a go cause it’s feel sorry for women in bands week.”
All in all, it’s deplorable stuff.
Crafter recently apologised for the remarks, but it’s too little too late.
“Two years ago and plenty of time years previously, I said a lot of dumb stuff online to troll, cause drama and bait people to piss them off. Things I said then are not a reflection of who I am today, as two years is a long time. I completely understand why people are pissed off, and I am sorry and I really regret it. I want women to succeed in music, my daughter included if that’s the path she chooses. I’m massive on being positive and pushing yourself and think my life nowadays is a reflection on that… Seeya at unify 2019.”
I Killed The Prom Queen were set to headline UNIFY Festival.
