Music publicity CEO steps down after musicians accuse him of sexual assault
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Heathcliff Berru, the CEO of Life or Death PR and Management, has stepped down amid accusations of sexual harassment from musicians.
In a series of tweets Monday night, Amber Coffman from the band Dirty Projectors told a story of a time when Berru allegedly "rubbed my ass and bit my hair at a bar a couple years ago." Coffman said she decided to speak up now because she noticed that he was still working in the industry with people she knew.
Life or Death has represented a number of notable artists from the indie-rock and hip-hop worlds including D'Angelo, DIIV, and Tyler, the Creator — some of whom are reportedly cutting their ties with the company in light of accusations about Berru.
"I've been told many women have had scary stories about him for years but are scared to speak up," Coffman said. "And dudes overlook it and keep hiring him. Tired of sketchy ass dudes and sexual predators getting a pass from their 'bros.' Grow a spine and hold your friends accountable."
Was just re-telling/re-remembering a story abt how a very popular music publicist RUBBED my ass and BIT my hair at a bar a couple years ago
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016
This was someone I barely knew and had just met. He did it in front of 4 of my male friends. Still makes me so damn mad thinking about it
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016
Still mad at myself as well for not punching him in the nose, but I totally froze up. Weird survival instinct I guess
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016
Just was looking at their current roster and it's amazing. People I know even. Funny how shitty, fake ass people can have so much success
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016
Other women, including Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino and Danger Village PR publicist Beth Martinez, recounted similar experiences with Berru on Twitter.
Cosentino called Beru a "scumbag." Martinez alleged that "he repeatedly put his hand down my shirt while driving me home after I told him to stop many times" and told her not to tell a mutual friend. She also claimed she is "fairly certain I've been roofied by him or members of his crew on more than one occasion."
Thank you @Amber_Coffman for bravely speaking the truth. Heathcliff Berru is a scumbag and I'm glad someone finally spoke up.
— Best Coast (@BestCoast) January 19, 2016
.@Amber_Coffman he repeatedly put his hand down my shirt while driving me home after I told him to stop many times
— Beth Martinez. Hero. (@dangervillage) January 19, 2016
@Amber_Coffman then "apologized" the next day and told me not to tell our mutual friend
— Beth Martinez. Hero. (@dangervillage) January 19, 2016
@Amber_Coffman also I'm fairly certain I've been roofied by him or members of his crew on more than one occasion
— Beth Martinez. Hero. (@dangervillage) January 19, 2016
@Amber_Coffman I was an active alcoholic at the time so was an easy target and living in Shame kept me silent.
— Beth Martinez. Hero. (@dangervillage) January 19, 2016
Life or Death PR issued a statement Tuesday night saying it's "grateful" for the company Berru founded in 2008 and "appreciate and support" him stepping down from his position.
"The men and women who make up this company do not, and will not, condone or tolerate any conduct described in the online postings," the statement said. "We are taking measures to ensure that the alleged behavior did not, and will not, make its way into company operations or impact our commitment to promoting art and assisting our clients."
Berru issued his own statement Wednesday morning revealing his alcohol and drug addiction and said he will be going to rehab.
He responded to the allegations of harassment but denied drugging anyone.
"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," he said. "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."
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