While many 4chan users post anonymously, Perez (pictured above, second from the right) evidently began posting under the name Devin-Chan, with some of the posts dating back weeks or months. The blog Sexism in Music [via Pitchfork] captured some of the comments he made, and they're decidedly distasteful. They include referring to electronic musician Zomby with the n-word, using a homophobic slur in regards to Jake Gyllenhaal, making a joke about Jewish people, using the b-word while discussing Perfect Pussy's Meredith Graves, and saying that he found Grimes unattractive.
In response to these comments being made public, Smith made numerous tweets condemning "bigotry of any kind." He wrote that Perez "is NOT a racist," but added that racist, sexist or homophobic slurs "have no place anywhere no matter the context." As for Perez, he made another 4chan post expressing regret for some of his comments.
There's no confirmation that Perez has been or will be fired from the band, but Smith confirmed that he is "talking to him. a lot to say/ask." He added, "my band contain(ed) an internet troll," the parenthetic past tense suggesting that Perez may be out of the band.
See the tweets below.
I will never EVER tolerate sexism, racism, homophobia, bullying, or bigotry of any kind. I'm doing everything to get to the bottom of this
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
I'm so fucking disgusted. so fucking angry.
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
I'm so fucking disgusted. so fucking angry.
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@Xenomorphica what should I do/say instead? true I haven't seen the context, but certain words have no place anywhere no matter the context
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@87uytr well of course i am talking to him. a lot to say/ask, but also felt it was important to share my feelings on the subject immediately
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@samantha_s_1278 I was shocked. I love http://t.co/mTRxzyB0Ua and always fantasize about participating while reading youtube comments etc
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@samantha_s_1278 but unlike people who express those truly offensive sentiments that comprise http://t.co/mTRxzyB0Ua, Devin is NOT a racist
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@samantha_s_1278 no woman EVER deserves to be called a b***h, regardless of context. no person should ever be singled out and name-called.
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@Jason__McCray the point is that certain words R 100% unacceptable no matter what. especially when directed at another person, and publicly
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@Jason__McCray it's very important now because clearly a lot of people think it's ok to call a woman a b****h just so long as it's on 4chan
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@Jason__McCray and that's not even the worst of it. unfortunately, context doesn't do a single thing to suck the violence out of these words
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
@LordOJHughes it's ironic how internet trolls seem to make up abt 95% of those outraged over the fact my band contain(ed) an internet troll
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
It doesn't feel like many people want to have an actual discussion here. Email me divebk at gmail + I promise to respond to all serious ones
— DIIV (@DIIV) December 14, 2014
