Last month, American producer Marshmello released the single Here With Me, which featured Scottish band Chvrches.
While reviews of the song were initially mixed, the collaboration has come to the fore again thanks to the band’s response to the producer’s follow-up work – particularly his decision to work with Chris Brown – and Chris Brown’s subsequent remarks.
Brown recently released the single Light It Up with Marshmello and Tyga. However, because of Brown’s reputation and history of alleged domestic abuse – notably against his former girlfriend Rihanna, which left her hospitalised – and Marhsmello’s decision to work with Brown, Chvrches posted a statement on social media distancing themselves from their work with the producer.
In a statement on Twitter, the band wrote:
We are really upset, confused and disappointed by Marshmello’s choice to work with Tyga and Chris Brown.
We like and respect Mello as a person but working with people who are predators and abusers enables, excuses and ultimately tacitly endorses that behaviour. That is not something we can or will stand behind.
Marshmello hasn’t yet responded to Chvrches’ statement, though Chris Brown decided to comment on a recent Instagram post by the band, calling them out in a vicious tirade.
Playing fast and loose with the caps lock, he wrote, via Pitchfork:
BUNCH OF LOSERS. these are the type of people I wish walked in front of a speeding bus full of mental patients. Keep groveling over you own insecurities and hatred. IM BLACK AND PROUD. AND I KNOW ITS HURTS THAT U GUYS ARE STRUGGLING WIT LIFE OR PEACE SO U ARE FORCED TO SEE MY SUCCESS. You aren’t even #2 (REMEMBER 2nd place only means YOU LOST FIRST! TA-TA. GOODDAY PEASANTS
The band themselves haven’t commented or replied to Brown’s reaction, though frontwoman Lauren Mayberry has posted screenshots of abusive messages she has received from Chris Brown fans in the aftermath.
She captioned the post:
The last “bitch” really helped get the point across… Angry men on the internet can call me all the names they want. I still think domestic abuse is wrong. Peace out, internet. Tomorrow is a brand new day.
In 2009 Brown was arrested and charged with felony assault and making criminal threats. He later pleaded guilty to a felony and accepted a plea deal, Billboard reports, which included five years probation and domestic violence counseling.
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Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist and sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.