Sub Pop Severs Ties with Avi Buffalo Following Rape Allegations

The label will be removing the band's music from streaming services and retailers

BY Brock ThiessenPublished Jul 30, 2020

In the wake of rape allegations against Avi Zahner-Isenberg — the frontman and namesake of Avi Buffalo — the band's former label home, Sub Pop, has severed ties with the artist.

Sub Pop, who released two albums by Avi Buffalo, stated the label will be pulling the group's music from streaming services, as well as retail stores.

In a statement to Pitchfork, Sub Pop explained the following:

After hearing about a rape accusation that was shared yesterday, Sub Pop is in the process of removing all Avi Buffalo music from our stores and digital services. We do not accept sexual abuse and assault towards anybody and we commend anyone who is able to muster up the strength to speak out and share their experiences; that's not easy. We believe and support Rebecca and hope that she is able to cope and heal.

As previously reported, Zahner-Isenberg was accused of multiple incidents of rape, as well as emotional abuse and harassment, by former bandmate Rebecca Coleman.

The announcement by Sub Pop follows a similar move by Merge Records, which severed ties with Ian Svenonius after he admitted to predatory behaviour towards women.

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