Scroll down for the most recent updates to this story.
Last night, on Twitter, Dirty Projectors member Amber Coffman recounted an incident in which she was sexually assaulted by music publicist Heathcliff Berru, founder of Life Or Death PR & Management, whose firm's roster includes artists such as Odd Future, D'Angelo, DIIV, Killer Mike, of Montreal, Speedy Ortiz, Cloud Nothings, and others:
https://twitter.com/skyferreira/status/689645514548056064
Today was another reminder that the indie world isn't an enlightened safe haven for women. abuse and harassment can happen anywhere
— ALICE GLASS (@ALICEGLASS) January 20, 2016
UPDATE 6: Berru has issued a statement to LA Weekly:
There have been several reports about my alleged inappropriate behavior which deserve a response. I am deeply sorry for those who I have offended by my actions and how I have made certain women feel. If I crossed the line of decency or respectfulness in situations when I was drunk and under the influence, there is no excuse of course. To be clear, while my conduct may have been inappropriate, I have never drugged anyone or engaged in that type of behavior. Nevertheless, I do not want to be the type of person who would let drugs or alcohol take command of his life and compromise how he treats people. Yet I have been this person and it’s time to put a stop to all of this. Create a world with one less inappropriate man.
I have been fighting a losing battle against drugs and alcohol for many years and will be checking into a rehabilitation facility in the hope that I can improve my chances of winning that fight. A year ago, I was confronted by a peer and began to try to clean up and make things right with therapy and with an eye towards quitting the addiction. The shame and sadness feels as strong now as it did then and I am making an immediate change.
I have already lost my wife, abandoned my family, and destroyed those I love as a result of my shameful, embarrassing, unacceptable behavior. I deeply apologize to them as well. By no means do they deserve to feel the pain of my actions. Please give them the space they deserve. They were the light at the end of a dark tunnel. I was married during some of these years and hid my problems from everyone well. Especially her and her family. Totally inexcusable.
In no way do these allegations reflect on Life or Death PR, its staff, or anyone associated with the company. These are my issues, not theirs. I could not be more proud of the company and what it stands for. That being said I have stepped down as the CEO and [am] relinquishing all responsibility to the current president, Nick Dierl. The company shouldn't have to deal with this distraction and I want Nick and the rest of the team to continue to do their good work while I take care of myself.
UPDATE 7: Killer Mike has responded, indicating that "Life Or Death is no more," and noting that his day-to-day publicist has been and will continue to be LoD employee Duncan Will:
My Publicist Lost his wife, biz & Rep. My friend Got an ear full from me about how fucked up he behaved. Amber deserves all our support
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
And she and those other women have mine.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
My day to day publicist is Dunkin and he will continue to be. Cliff is still my friend and i will support him in being a better human being
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
Life or death is no more and cliff will be dealing with his drug and alcohol issues.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
My real desire is to see These women Whole healthy and rocking out like great artist and members or the culture.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
I'm glad The employees (former) of life or death had a plan ready for clients and we chug along without Cliff but with hope that he grows
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
Into the best version of himself we all know is there. My best wishes again to Amber and all the women involved. Your bravery is Admirable
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
Here is his Facebook post:
Now that I've got everything in order, let me put this out here since my tweets didn't convey my points/actions clearly.
Yesterday a.m. I read the story about Heathcliff. I called him immediately and ended our biz relationship. I also told him how wrong he was and how disappointed and ashamed I am of his actions and that he's gotta take whatever's coming. I also encouraged him to work on being a better human being.I stand in solidarity with the women that have spoke out. No one should have to feel afraid for speaking out when wronged in any manner or feel like no cares about them. This is not ok. For the sake of clarity, I had no knowledge of any of this stuff prior to the story breaking yesterday a.m.
As for publicity moving forward- RTJ has always been repped by Biz3 and I will continue to work with Duncan Will (formerly of LoD) independently. He's done nothing but be a great publicist to me.
Another point I want to make sure that comes across- Men have to be able to tell our friends and peers when they're wrong. We cannot just say, it's not my problem. We can't expect ppl to improve if we're not willing to hold them accountable and push them to be better.
Love and Respect.
UPDATE 8: According to a new statement (via The Fader) from (now former) Life Or Death president Nick Dierl, the current staff is leaving the company and will start a "new venture imminently that bears no ties to Heathcliff Berru." Here's the statement in full:
In light of recent events, the remainder of the Life or Death staff is leaving the company today.
We are saddened by the circumstances under which we are departing but are grateful for the opportunity we had together.
There will be a new venture imminently that bears no ties to Heathcliff Berru or the Life or Death name.
More soon from Bradley, Linda, Duncan, Emily and Nick.
Just heard that Life or Death PR has dissolved. Smart, but still want to hear more from them about Heathcliff's actions + their complacency
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 20, 2016
Life or Death stated they had a zero tolerance policy for the kind of conduct Heathcliff displayed. Who made that policy? Heathcliff was CEO
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 21, 2016
