Publicist Heathcliff Berru resigns following accusations of sexual harassment

Amber Coffman, of Dirty Projectors, Tweeted yesterday about her experiences with Berru:

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

And in case anyone was wondering who the ass rubbing, hair biting mother fucker was, I'm not afraid to say it-

— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016

It was Heathcliff Berru, at Life or Death PR and MGMT

— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016

Other musicians, including Chelsea Wolfe and Bethany Cosentino, as well as many figures in the music industry, have supported the allegations, and in many cases offered their own experiences with Berru.

Domino Records, says Coffman, stopped working with Berru years ago:

I do want to say that when this first happened, I told Domino records, who were working on projects with him + they stopped working with him

— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016

They told me they've held their commitment of not working with him ever since, and I really appreciate that gesture. More should follow suit

— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016

Domino records asked me what I wanted them to do at the time- I said I couldn't make that decision for them. They made their own decision

— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016

Berru has released a statement regarding the allegations:

"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."

Nick Dierl, now CEO, has also released a statement on behalf of the firm:

"Life or Death has a zero tolerance policy for the type of conduct alleged in today’s on-line postings. We take these allegations very seriously.

"The men and women who make up this company do not, and will not, condone or tolerate any conduct described in the on-line postings. Life Or Death is 3 men and 3 women who are committed to promoting art and serving the clients that we're so privileged to represent. 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.

"We are grateful to Heathcliff Berru for all the work he's done to date and his creative vision at the company. We appreciate and support his decision to step down as CEO of Life Or Death."

Berru founded the firm in 2008, and its current roster includes Killer Mike, D’Angelo, Of Montreal, and Odd Future. DIIV, Wavves, Kelela, Beach Fossils, and Speedy Ortiz are among the clients to have severed ties with Life Or Death in the wake of the accusations.

The firm's website is currently "under maintenance".