PWR BTTM’s Music Removed From iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify
PWR BTTM were dropped by their label Polyvinyl on Saturday after it came to light that Ben Hopkins was accused of sexual abuse and anti-Semitism. Their new album Pageant, released Friday, was taken off the label’s website. The label offered refunds and pledged donations to RAINN and AVP. "There is absolutely no place in the world for hate, violence, abuse, discrimination or predatory behavior of any kind," Polyvinyl’s statement read. A representative for the label also noted that the album would eventually be removed from digital retailers and streaming services. Now, that’s happened.
Pageant is no longer available on iTunes, Apple Music, Tidal, Google Play, or Amazon. PWR BTTM’s older records released by Father/Daughter Records, including their debut album Ugly Cherries, have also been removed from iTunes, Apple Music, and Tidal. Currently, none of PWR BTTM’s music is available through Apple or Tidal. Update 5/17: Their music has been removed from Spotify as well.
Representatives for PWR BTTM were not immediately available to respond to Pitchfork’s request for comment.
After Polyvinyl made their announcement, Father/Daughter similarly cut ties with the band. The label, which released the band’s debut album, announced they would no longer sell PWR BTTM records or merch. "The allegations that have come out about PWR BTTM are unsettling and difficult to read and digest," the label wrote in its statement. Ugly Cherries and the band’s Father/Daughter singles are still available to stream on Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon.
An anonymous woman recently gave an interview to Jezebel describing an alleged sexual assault by Hopkins. After the allegations came to light, two of PWR BTTM’s touring members distanced themselves from the band. Multiple tour openers—T-Rextasy, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, Tancred, and iji—all pulled out of their planned shows. The band’s tour has reportedly been cancelled after multiple venues cancelled shows.