On Tuesday (Jan. 20), sexual assault allegations against Life or Death PR head Heathcliff Berru spilled out on Twitter from women in the music industry, leading to the publicist and founder's resignation. Though acts like DIIV, Wavves and Speedy Ortiz are severing ties with Life or Death, Killer Mike has stated on Twitter that he intends to stay on the publicity firm's roster, while supporting the victims of Berru's numerous assaults.
The allegations against Berru came to light when Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors revealed in a series of tweets that the industry bigwig had "groped her ass" and "bit her hair" at a bar a few years ago. Soon, other women including Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino, Roxy Lange, publicist Beth Martinez and more shared similar stories about Berru.
Was just re-telling/re-remembering a story abt how a very popular music publicist RUBBED my ass and BIT my hair at a bar a couple years ago
— Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016
It was Heathcliff Berru, at Life or Death PR and MGMT — Amber Coffman (@Amber_Coffman) January 19, 2016
.@Amber_Coffman he repeatedly put his hand down my shirt while driving me home after I told him to stop many times
— Beth Martinez. Hero. (@dangervillage) January 19, 2016
@Amber_Coffman good for you for doing this. I was too freaked out to ever say anything. Seriously he's not a good person on any level. — Best Coast (@BestCoast) January 19, 2016
Thank you @Amber_Coffman in 2009 he grabbed my ass and then held me down onto my couch as he unzipped his pants &forced my hand on his dick.
— TEARIST (@_TEARIST_) January 19, 2016
Bands on Life or Death's roster including Speedy Ortiz, DIIV, Wavves, Beach House, Mixpak and Kelela have left Life or Death now, according to The Fader. However Killer Mike announced that he's staying on with the PR firm and his day-to-day publicist Duncan Will. Killer Mike also said that he "support [Heathcliff] in being a better human being," after the publicist said he would be entering rehab for drug and alcohol addiction.
My Publicist Lost his wife, biz & Rep. My friend Got an ear full from me about how fucked up he behaved. Amber deserves all our support — Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
And she and those other women have mine.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
My day to day publicist is Dunkin and he will continue to be. Cliff is still my friend and i will support him in being a better human being — Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
Life or death is no more and cliff will be dealing with his drug and alcohol issues.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
My real desire is to see These women Whole healthy and rocking out like great artist and members or the culture. — Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
I'm glad The employees (former) of life or death had a plan ready for clients and we chug along without Cliff but with hope that he grows
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
Into the best version of himself we all know is there. My best wishes again to Amber and all the women involved. Your bravery is Admirable — Killer Mike (@KillerMike) January 20, 2016
Other acts on Life or Death's roster include Odd Future and D'Angelo.
