In May, allegations of sexual assault against Ben Hopkins, one-half of the queer punk band PWR BTTM, led to the cancellation of the band's nationwide tour in support of their Pageant album and the removal of their catalog from physical and digital retailers, as well as streaming services.
According to Billboard, the band is now working with new management and secured the distribution rights to re-release their 2015 debut album, Ugly Cherries, which was originally released on Father/Daughter Records. The band has been unable to reach a deal with indie label Polyvinyl to make their Pageant album, which was removed from retailers shortly after the sexual assault allegations, available to stream and purchase.
PWR BTTM is now working with veteran label executive and manager Lisa Barbaris, who also manages Cyndi Lauper. According to a press release, "Barbaris was appalled at the response of the band's labels in withdrawing music and support so hastily."
Though the band has not yet agreed on terms to re-release their Pageant album, PWR BTTM is currently in talks with Polyvinyl to make the record available. "Polyvinyl wishes to make the transition as easy as possible and has no desire to prevent the band from releasing Pageant once an agreement has been reached," a representative for the label told The FADER.
The allegations of sexual assault against Hopkins were first posted to a private Facebook group and later circulated on other social media sites. In an interview with Jezebel shortly after the allegations became public, an anonymous person detailed being sexually assaulted and abused by Hopkins. After addressing the accusations in a statement on May 11, Hopkins denied the sexual assault claims, writing, "I strongly contest the account put forth in Jezebel.”
Representatives for PWR BTTM were not immediately available for comment.
