I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN // Removed From UNIFY 2019 After Public Backlash

Australian metalcore outfit I Killed The Prom Queen have been removed from 2019’s UNIFY Gathering following public outcry after past comments by vocalist Michael Crafter surfaced online.

The group’s classic line-up was set to reunite and play their 2004 album ‘When Goodbye Means Forever…’ on the second night of the festival, but have been kicked off due to intense fan and public pressure.

In a statement posted on Unify Gathering’s Facebook page, the organisers said “UNIFY Gathering has made the decision, with the backing of band members, to remove I Killed The Prom Queen from the line-up for Unify Gathering 2019.”

“We want to create a culture of positive change within the music industry and it’s our responsibility to call out unacceptable behaviour wherever we see it.”

After the line-up was announced on Wednesday morning, many people came forward expressing disappointment in the lack of gender diversity. Only 8 female musicians were announced to appear.

Crafter was criticised after making a Facebook post regarding the gender balance of the 2017 line-up, saying:

“End of the day a festival is about getting cunt [sic] to shows. Not giving someone a go cause it’s feel sorry for women in bands week. I’m sure there’s enough girls get [sic] finger banged in the tents to be happy enough about the festival […] Women want to be equal … get fucking better at being in a band.”

Crafter made a public apology yesterday on his Instagram, saying “Things I said then are not a reflection of who I am today, as two years is a long time.” Crafter also issued similar statements on Twitter.

Two years ago and plenty of time years previously, I said a lot of dumb stuff online to troll, cause drama and bait people to piss them off. Things I said then are not a reflection of who I am today, as two years is a long time.

— Michael Crafter (@Crafterxxx) August 9, 2018

Bandmate Jona Weinhofen leapt to his defence on Twitter, saying:

I think his comments were utterly idiotic, misogynistic and not at all any representation of the beliefs of the permanent members of the band I killed the prom queen. At least I can acknowledge when someone publicly apologises for a 2 year old comment instead of gripping to drama

— Jona Weinhofen Ⓥ (@jonaweinhofen) August 9, 2018

Crafter and former band Confession played UNIFY 2016 without incident.

Statements from the band and organisers Red Hill Entertainment/UNFD are still to come.

UPDATE 1636 AEST: UNIFY organisers have asked patrons looking for refunds to make enquiries by sending an email to ticketing@unifygathering.com.

UNIFY GATHERING OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Additional reporting: Tom Valcanis