Gary Richards, founder of HARD Events, has issued an apology for the controversial HARD Summer trailer released earlier this week, which sought to address the subject of gender inequality present within the dance music industry. Directed by Agata Alexander, the short film featured male DJs such as Claude Von Stoke, DJ Snake, and What So Not sporting fake breasts.

The trailer was met with immense scrutiny from fans and artists alike, including a handful women who are set to appear at this year’s iteration of the festival. As discussions concerning the video continue to boil over, a representative for Gary Richards has provided FACT with an official statement:

“Here at HARD Events we are here for everyone. The HARD Summer trailer was created as a satirical piece to raise consciousness at a time when equality issues are of utmost importance. Our goal is to promote good music and we are trying to give women more of a platform at our festival.

My intentions here were only to help, not offend anyone, in supporting Agata’s vision and message. I understand that she does not speak for all women and how people could be upset by the trailer. There is always a risk of misinterpretation when satire is used, but we felt it was right to let her express herself and have creative control over the piece. We want to extend a sincere apology to those who were offended.

We hope the conversations started by this piece bring the change we intended and we will continue to be a champion for Women’s rights within our community and world at large.”

H/T: FACT

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