Norma Jean fans aren't accepting Cory Brandan’s apology for BLM post

After Norma Jean vocalist Cory Brandan shared a GIF on Twitter over the weekend that was insensitive of the Black Lives Matter movement, the vocalist is sharing a statement apologizing for his actions.

Throughout his statement, Brandan acknowledges his responsibility in the harm he’s caused through his post but a lot of fans are divided about if the statement is enough.

Read More: These artists and labels are donating their no-fee Bandcamp sales to BLM

The GIF read “BLAL BLAH BLAH BLAH” in large black letters reminiscent of the same font used by the movement. His caption simply read “Roll credits.”

Members of Every Time I Die, Stick To Your Guns and other bands spoke out about the post shortly afterwards.

that ban has been in effect for a while now and will obviously continue. it will also be brought to the attention of any festival promoter that intends to include our bands on the same bill once touring resumes

— keith buckley (@deathoftheparty) June 3, 2020

This was actually posted by a musician in the hardcore scene. You actually had to think about this and hit send. This tone deaf insensitivity is just appalling. pic.twitter.com/mX073YUqzN

— Steve Micciche (@MitchBHavin) June 3, 2020

Hey @CoryBrandan I know you are always trying to make it a point to own the libs but you’re a fucking punk bitch. Fuck you. Fuck your band. Fuck ANYONE who fucks with you. You’re not welcome any where near my scene you fucking coward mother fucker. Fuck you. pic.twitter.com/exEoBJVzJb

— [email protected] (@SomeKindofJesse) June 3, 2020

Hey @CoryBrandan I know you are always trying to make it a point to own the libs but you’re a fucking punk bitch. Fuck you. Fuck your band. Fuck ANYONE who fucks with you. You’re not welcome any where near my scene you fucking coward mother fucker. Fuck you. pic.twitter.com/exEoBJVzJb

— [email protected] (@SomeKindofJesse) June 3, 2020

Now, Brandan has shared a post on the official Norma Jean social media accounts apologizing. His personal accounts are deleted too. You can read his statement below.

“Monday, in frustration about infighting I was reading between groups with the same goal, I posted a gif without considering its context. A friend let me know the next day that it was similar to a BLM graphic, hurting supporters of the movement, so I deleted it. But the damage was done.

“I had been up late following conversations about black out Tuesday. I saw creators and supporters extremely divided in approach and was calling it a night. I flippantly searched “blah” and I saw the scrolling gif looking like the credits at the end of a movie. That gif inspired my text “roll credits,” to say “goodnight, I’m out”. My ignorance to the gif’s reference is obvious to me now, though it wasn’t my intention.

“Later that night, I retweeted a post from a supporter who was posting their frustration with the black out Tuesday squares driving information off the Black Lives Matter feeds.

“This was all before the shit hit the fan on Tuesday with the screenshot of that gif post. I know I should have shown my empathy rather than posting gifs and retweets.

“Let me be clear though, Black Lives Matter.

“I realize that there’s no going back for some people I upset and there’s no amount of explaining that will undo their hurt, but please know that I would never have posted that gif if I knew what it was being used for. I, and many others in this country, have a lot to learn. I hope more will commit to that, too.

“I understand how it looks in the rear view, but the original graphics that gif referenced were beneath my radar. That is my fault, too. I own my responsibility to be more informed.

“I’m sorry to our fans who are questioning our message and our music. I’m especially sorry to our Black fans who are hurting right now and must think something terrible of me. You deserve better from me. I’m so sorry.

“I’ll be taking a break from my social accounts to take time to listen and educate myself. I’ve had difficult conversations about how deeply I hurt people I love.

“My intent was to comment on internet drama, not to disparage black voices and a movement that is important.

“I understand how my shit-talking attitude, sarcasm, and the way I present myself online made it easy for people believe it was an act of aggression and not an ill-informed misstep. That’s on me, too. I take responsibility for all of it.

“I respect the scene and I just ask that the other guys involved with Norma Jean and Hundred Suns would not have to suffer for my mistake. They are still posting in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement as they have been all week. They are vocal supporters and this should not reflect on them at all. No one else should have to bear the weight of my actions or the responsibility of educating me. All of that is on me alone.

“I’m sorry. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I will be better, because you deserve better.”