Music publicist Heathcliff Berru has "apologized" after being accused by Amber Coffman of the Dirty Projectors and as many as seven other women of sexually assaulting them. In a statement, former head of Life or Death PR blamed his actions on habitual drug and alcohol abuse, but denies ever engaging in the type of activity he has been accused of or drugging women.
Since Coffman spoke out on Twitter, a whole host of other women such as Best Coast's Bethany Costentino have come out with stories of their own in public and privately to each other about the actions of Berru.
Berru stepped down as head of Life or Death PR yesterday in the wave of these accusations. "I am deeply sorry for those who I have offended by my actions," he says in the statement. "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."
He says he will be seeking treatment for his drug and alcohol problem.
Bands like DIIV, Wavves and Best Coast have come out on Twitter to say that are firing Life or Death PR. This isn't doesn't mean the deal is done officially, just ask Martin Garrix, but it is an encouraging sign that some bands are taking positive steps away from working with an accused assaulter. Don't be surprised to see more bands leave the company, though the speed of this apology may have been enough to stop most of the bleeding.
Read the full statement below via Billboard.
"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 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."
