A London promoter has publicly distanced itself from an upcoming Merauder show following backlash surrounding the social media activity of vocalist Jorge Rosado.
Real Life Presents, which had been promoting the veteran New York hardcore band’s August 5 performance at New Cross Inn, announced on August 4 that it would no longer be handling the event after controversy surrounding Rosado intensified online.
Despite withdrawing its involvement, the promoter explained that canceling the sold-out show altogether was not a realistic option due to the financial impact it would have on the venue, staff and the other bands on the bill.
“We will no longer be promoting the Merauder show tomorrow. Like quite a lot of you, we booked this show in good faith and have been shocked by events in the last day or so.”
With more than 350 tickets already sold, Real Life Presents said pulling the show entirely at the last minute would have resulted in significant losses for everyone involved.
The promoter also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment for concertgoers.
“We try to make these shows as welcoming a space as possible across races, genders and spiritualities both on-stage and off, and I’m forever impossibly grateful for the trust we get across the wider community in trying to do that. It’s mortifying to me that we’ve ended up in this situation.”
As part of its response, Real Life Presents said it had reached an agreement with New Cross Live to donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to Stop Hate UK and Gendered Intelligence, while also pledging to personally contribute additional funds.
“We have agreed with New Cross Live to donate a share of profits to Stop Hate UK and Gendered Intelligence… I don’t believe that this will undo any offence, however I hope that people are able to recognise this as it is intended, a show of solidarity and an apology to those disparaged in this.”
The controversy surrounding Merauder stems from a number of older social media reposts shared by Rosado that have recently resurfaced online. Those posts reportedly contain controversial opinions relating to religion, gender identity and other social issues, leading to criticism as the band continues its overseas tour.
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