Black Artist Database (B.A.D.) has suspended its relationship with Beatport’s editorial arm, Beatportal, with immediate effect. B.A.D. released a statement on August 24th, via Instagram. The decision was made in response to a VICE article yesterday that details allegations of workplace racism, bullying, and sexism at Beatport.
“Once we have conducted our internal review, we will return with further course of action,” B.A.D. wrote. “We draw significant support from the shared experiences of our community, and we remain faithful to our goal of amplifying these voices and experiences.”
Launched in October 2021, B.A.D. and Beatportal’s relationship began with Beatport integration on B.A.D. On August 1st, B.A.D. cofounder NIKS launched a month-long guest editorship at Beatportal with this letter — August’s cover stars were Black Rave Culture.
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The VICE article, written by Annabel Ross, accuses several men in leadership positions at Beatport—including CEO Rob McDaniels, chief revenue officer Jonas Tempel, and former Berlin office general manager Terry Weerasinghe—of casual racism, bullying, and misogynistic behavior towards staff. The accused accept some of the allegations and deny others. Read the full VICE article here.
Read B.A.D.’s Instagram statement:
Originally reported from Resident Advisor.
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