Chalk in another victory for the demons of idiocy: DIIV is currently undergoing some issues related to many stupid—aka racist, homophobic and misogynist—statements made on social media by bassist Devin Ruben Perez. Although the musician has claimed that he was merely being stupid, versus being an actual racist/homophobe/misogynist, the New York-based alt band is reportedly weighing its options on whether or not to keep Perez within its lineup.
The troubles begin on 4Chan, where—as most internet users know—one does not go to in pursuit of intelligible conversation. According to NME, Perez took a number of sexist swipes at Grimes and Perfect Pussy frontwoman Meredith Graves, referred to UK producer Zomby as a "n----r" (the musician is not black, as if it matters), and apparently also made an anti-semitic joke.
DIIV frontman Zachary Cole Smith released a statement to Pitchfork on the topic, noting that such behavior would not be tolerated but acknowledged that his close relationship with Perez could complicate things.
"What Devin said is inexcusable," he said. "It will not be tolerated in the band or anywhere. But ultimately Cole and Devin are very close friends so this is a very hard thing for him to swallow, seeing such unexpected behavior like this from such a close friend. It is not being tolerated and is being dealt with right now."
Perez tried to frame himself as a jackass who made a mistake; not a prejudicial a-hole.
"I'm not sexist, racist or a misogynist and anyone who knows me knows that," he tweeted. "I just said some dumb s--t on an anime message board."
