Geffen Records has finally released a statement addressing the X (formerly Twitter) post of its senior vice president and head of streaming Ray Kurzeka which trolled and dismissed BTS fans’ request about Jimin’s upcoming song.
Jimin’s song “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco) will be released on June 28.
“An employee of our label issued a single post on his personal social media account in response to an inquiry from fans of Jimin,” Geffen Records said in a statement issued on X on June 28.
BTS' Jimin (Big Hit Music)
The statement by Geffen Records posted on X on June 28 (X)
Previously on X, the Jimin fan account Jimin Data tagged Geffen Records, Universal Music and Kurzeka about the song.
“Hi @GeffenRecords @UMG @raykurzeka where are the iTunes pre-orders for Jimin's "Smeraldo Garden Marching Band" out next week June 28th? Also provide a EU version no random inclusions in order to have a bigger impact on the UK Album Chart. CC @bts_bighit @BIGHIT_MUSIC,” the account posted on X.
But instead of answering the query, Kurzeka trolled it and replied, “song of the year…” with a Spotify link to Gracie Abrams’ song "Us" (featuring Taylor Swift).”
The reply of Geffen Records' SVP Ray Kurzeka to a request by a Jimin fan account (Photo from Jimin Data on X)
Despite Kurzeka posting it on his personal X account (which was deleted after the controversy arose), Geffen Records defended him, saying it’s not a reflection of his views.
“This was made by mistake and in no way reflects either the views of the employee or those of our company,” Geffen Records said.
It added, “Both he and the company are deeply sorry that this happened. The post does not comply with the company's social media policy. Our compliance team is addressing this with him directly and implementing enhanced controls across the company to assure that it never happens again.”
“As we address this matter, we request that fans refrain from any personal attacks. We wish to assure you that the scheduled release of Jimin's second solo album, MUSE, will proceed as planned without any impact,” added Geffen Records.
However, BTS fans were not convinced by the statement and urged Geffen Records to promote Jimin.
Here are some of the replies to Geffen Records’ post:
- We are not reading all that. It took y'all several days of coming and rting about other artists on your account to make a statement. We are waiting for SONG OF THE YEAR
- Do your job, respect jimin and promote jimin. give him big playlists and radio like you gave others And where is the itunes pre order for "WHO"??? Give us EU version of MUSE for UK official album chart
- Due to Official UK Album Chart rules, MUSE physicals will not be counted because the random inclusions make it ineligible. Please provide an EU version with no random inclusions in order to have a bigger impact on the chart.
- Hey @GeffenRecords, why is it that only a few hours away from BTS’ Jimin’ new release you have yet to promote your artist on your social channels?
- We demand that his work be treated and promoted fairly. Give Jimin the same amount of dedication you give other artists under you
- Due to Official UK Album Chart rules, MUSE physicals will not be counted because the random inclusions make it ineligible. Please provide an EU version with no random inclusions. Please re-stock D-DAY Vinyl on Target. Pre-orders of many fans were cancelled on that site and the vinyl is out of stock.