A Tumblr named Sexism In Music yesterday posted findings suggesting that DIIV bassist Devin Ruben Perez is behind several misogynist, homophobic, and racist comments made on online message board 4Chan.
Perez is accused of using the username "Devin-Chan" to leave comments rating Perfect Pussy singer Meredith Graves on her appearance and calling her a "bitch;" saying that Ariel Pink "is [racist and misogynist], in an endearing way," and also using racial and gay slurs. "Devin-Chan" discovered the Sexism In Music post yesterday and wrote a response on 4Chan that only made his original comments about Graves worse: "She IS a bitch though. She's really fucking mean. I never did anything to her and she's always looking for ways to attack me and my friends, like a rabid FEMALE DOG."
Zachary Cole Smith, lead singer of DIIV, took to Twitter overnight to angrily respond to this controversy, strongly rejecting the attitudes Perez is accused of proliferating and stating that he is looking into the accuracy of the Tumblr's claims. Read his tweets below. DIIV's representatives have declined to comment at this time.
DIIV are currently working on their debut album, which is expected to appear in 2015.
I will never EVER tolerate sexism, racism, homophobia, bullying, or bigotry of any kind. I'm doing everything to get to the bottom of this
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
I'm so fucking disgusted. so fucking angry.
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
Yes, I understand it is 4chan "lingo". But everybody who types that word knows what it really means and how much violence is attached to it.
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
UPDATE 12/15 10:13 a.m.: A representative for DIIV gave Pitchfork the following statement:
"Cole doesn't stand for any bigotry, hatred, sexism racism or homophobia, especially when it's manifest in his own band. Cole and Devin are discussing what happened and his future in the band. Devin acknowledges what he did is very wrong. 4chan is a poisonous place. It's the bowels of the internet. A place where Devin lost sight of what's remotely appropriate and what isn't. Racial slurs and sexist remarks are practically what comprise the entirety of the site. It's important to examine the context of his comments, not to excuse them, but rather because it is a place that breeds, proliferates, and encourages dark and violent ideologies disguised as humor.
It needs to be exposed. It's lurking just beneath the surface and it's everywhere. Every journalist covering this story has a responsibility to expose 4chan for what it is. But regardless of the context, what Devin said is inexcusable. It will not be tolerated in the band or anywhere. But ultimately Cole and Devin are very close friends so this is a very hard thing for him to swallow, seeing such unexpected behavior like this from such a close friend. It is not being tolerated and is being dealt with right now."
Photo credit: Jason Kempin/Getty
