Over the years, Behemoth frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski has been no stranger to controversy, but he's once again become the centre of attention over allegations of racism and hateful conduct. In efforts to quickly stamp out any potential controversy, however, Nergal has taken to Facebook to pen an open letter explaining his side of things.
In a newly penned Facebook post, Nergal has shared a screenshot of an email he claims his management received from MetalSucks, explaining that the publication planned to publish an article about his alleged hateful conduct but wanted to get comment from him first.
Instead of replying to MetalSucks, however, Nergal went straight to Facebook and offered a very public comment for all to see, denying any and all claims in the process. He also had some less than kind things to say about MetalSucks and its prospective story.
Down below, you can read Nergal's response, as well as see his full post.
From Nergal:
My management team today received this email below from Ben Umanov and Matt Rosenberg @ Metal Sucks.
What we have here is a media outlet trying to create a controversial story in order to get clicks by whatever means they can. In this case they are trying to interpret comments, posts, photos and even t-shirts to paint me as something I'm not. For profit. They wanted me to give them a quote for their story to tell my side of things. But, I don't feel compelled to help them with their news business. Instead, I will address the issues that they imply with my own statement in my own words direct to those who care to read it.
First I will say this – I am my own person and am against any form of racism, fascism, discrimination or hate. As many of you know, I say a lot of crazy stuff, but I am prejudice against no human-being. I'm a controversial character, I'll admit it…it's part of me and sometimes I like to stir things up on purpose. When will I learn? Likely never. But, the simple fact is, I am an open-minded, loving, loyal person. I think the people that I meet in my daily life and musical travels as well as those that follow me on social media know this.
Rob Darken – I took some photos recently backstage in Poland after a Behemoth show with Rob from Graveland, a buddy and fellow Pole. I have known Rob for many years since 1992 and we hang out sometimes in Wroclaw. He did some recordings on our first and second demo tapes. He also has a photo published in my book "Confessions Of A Heretic". Rob and I share a love of black metal and its rich history. But aside from that, I don't condone Rob's personal ideals and agenda because I don't know them. I can't take responsibility for every person I take a photo with.
Bolzer – We're friends and we've toured several times. I don't have to say much more myself about Okoi and Bolzer other than what Okoi says himself here: https://www.facebook.com/erosatarms/posts/it-is-disgusting-totally-infuriating-and-frankly-embarassing-the-lengths-some-pe/1637456716287584/
Eugenics – I have little knowledge and no interest in the subject. I made a comment about my countrymen not being suited to play football. It's true, the post was removed, but I reposted moments later (still there) with an image more appropriate to the text as the previous was misconstrued. Story of my life!
At this point, it's unclear if MetalSucks plans to still run a story on Nergal and his conduct.
Behemoth's most recent album is this year's I Loved You at Your Darkest.
In a newly penned Facebook post, Nergal has shared a screenshot of an email he claims his management received from MetalSucks, explaining that the publication planned to publish an article about his alleged hateful conduct but wanted to get comment from him first.
Instead of replying to MetalSucks, however, Nergal went straight to Facebook and offered a very public comment for all to see, denying any and all claims in the process. He also had some less than kind things to say about MetalSucks and its prospective story.
Down below, you can read Nergal's response, as well as see his full post.
From Nergal:
My management team today received this email below from Ben Umanov and Matt Rosenberg @ Metal Sucks.
What we have here is a media outlet trying to create a controversial story in order to get clicks by whatever means they can. In this case they are trying to interpret comments, posts, photos and even t-shirts to paint me as something I'm not. For profit. They wanted me to give them a quote for their story to tell my side of things. But, I don't feel compelled to help them with their news business. Instead, I will address the issues that they imply with my own statement in my own words direct to those who care to read it.
First I will say this – I am my own person and am against any form of racism, fascism, discrimination or hate. As many of you know, I say a lot of crazy stuff, but I am prejudice against no human-being. I'm a controversial character, I'll admit it…it's part of me and sometimes I like to stir things up on purpose. When will I learn? Likely never. But, the simple fact is, I am an open-minded, loving, loyal person. I think the people that I meet in my daily life and musical travels as well as those that follow me on social media know this.
Rob Darken – I took some photos recently backstage in Poland after a Behemoth show with Rob from Graveland, a buddy and fellow Pole. I have known Rob for many years since 1992 and we hang out sometimes in Wroclaw. He did some recordings on our first and second demo tapes. He also has a photo published in my book "Confessions Of A Heretic". Rob and I share a love of black metal and its rich history. But aside from that, I don't condone Rob's personal ideals and agenda because I don't know them. I can't take responsibility for every person I take a photo with.
Bolzer – We're friends and we've toured several times. I don't have to say much more myself about Okoi and Bolzer other than what Okoi says himself here: https://www.facebook.com/erosatarms/posts/it-is-disgusting-totally-infuriating-and-frankly-embarassing-the-lengths-some-pe/1637456716287584/
Eugenics – I have little knowledge and no interest in the subject. I made a comment about my countrymen not being suited to play football. It's true, the post was removed, but I reposted moments later (still there) with an image more appropriate to the text as the previous was misconstrued. Story of my life!
At this point, it's unclear if MetalSucks plans to still run a story on Nergal and his conduct.
Behemoth's most recent album is this year's I Loved You at Your Darkest.