PWR BTTM at Knitting Factory
photo by Amanda Hatfield

PWR BTTM's label Polyvinyl releases statement, more shows cancelled

In the wake of accusations of “sexual abuse, predatory behavior, and anti-semitism” against PWR BTTM’s Ben Hopkins, PWR BTTM cancelled their Brooklyn record release show, Bled Fest and Hopscotch removed PWR BTTM from their lineups, opening bands dropped out of the tour, touring members quit the band, Salty Management stopped representing the band, and a survivor spoke with Jezebel about her assault by Ben Hopkins. Now Polyvinyl, the label who put our PWR BTTM’s second album (and first for the label), Pageant yesterday, has issued a statement:

Throughout our 20 years, Polyvinyl has purposefully operated on the core principle that everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and respect. There is absolutely no place in the world for hate, violence, abuse, discrimination or predatory behavior of any kind.

In keeping with this philosophy, we want to let everyone know that we are ceasing to sell and distribute PWR BTTM’s music. If you have ordered PWR BTTM products from Polyvinyl and would like to receive a full refund for your purchase, please contact [email protected]. We ask for your patience as we work to quickly process all requests.

We will be making donations to the following incredibly important organizations: RAINN (rainn.org) to support its efforts against sexual violence, and AVP (avp.org) to aid its programs against LGBTQ violence.

Our hearts go out to all victims of discrimination and all survivors of sexual violence.

Father Daughter Records, who released PWR BTTM’s debut LP, Ugly Cherries, also made a statement saying they would no longer be seeling PWR BTTM’s music or merchandise:

To say the last few days have been heartbreaking and trying for us, as a community, would be an understatement. The allegations that have come out about PWR BTTM are unsettling and difficult to read and digest. We do not take this nor do we take any acts of violence lightly. Personally, this has brought up a lot for me as I have also experienced physical and verbal abuse by partners in the past. Victims and survivors need to be heard, considered and supported as opening up about such trauma is extremely difficult and emotionally taxing.

We have taken a few days to process, which allowed us to be emotionally available as sounding boards for all the other artists on the label. Father/Daughter is and always will be a community for artists to thrive and grow and their feelings are equally as valid and important as the two people who run the label. In lieu of the allegations, we are no longer selling PWR BTTM music and merchandise and we will be making donations to RAINN and the NCAVP in solidarity of all survivors.

If you ever feel unsafe, scared, or need someone to talk to, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

Both Polyvinyl and Father/Daughter Records have confirmed that they will be pulling PWR BTTM’s albums from streaming services and digital retailers, as well.

We mentioned above that some of PWR BTTM’s upcoming tour dates have been cancelled, including their sets at Bled Fest, Hopscotch Fest, and Gasa Gasa in New Orleans. Now more dates have been cancelled, including:
May 25 Piccolo Rialto, Montreal, Canada
May 30 Subterranean, Chicago, IL
May 31 Subterranean, Chicago, IL
June 2 The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
June 20 Columbus Theatre, Providence, RI
June 30 Mahall’s, Lakewood, OH
July 12 191 Toole, Tucson, AZ
July 25 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT