A popular Chicago gay bar faced blistering backlash on social media after a temporary ban on rap music.
Progress Bar faced immediate criticism after announcing DJs would be prohibited from playing rap music. “This is not a suggestion!! If you play RAP you will not be asked back,” read an email sent by the club and leaked to “Block Club Chicago,” an email read.
The email went on to detail that “Anything vulgar, aggressive or considered mumble rap (including certain Cardi B tracks and newer Nicki Minaj) is off limits,” the original email said. “If you are unsure if a song qualified, assume it does and choose something else… If someone is pressuring you for a song just let them know it’s the new rule. There will be added security there to help with this transition and one specifically posted next to the DJ booth.”
Club-goers and members of the LGBTQ community labeled the “policy” as racist, and Progress bar initially released a statement on Wednesday basically defending themselves stating they would still be “changing their sound.”
However, by Thursday, after the backlash triggered an onslaught of negative reviews on multiple social media platforms, Progress decided to be more progressive.
Owner Justin Romme issued an open letter to patrons, neighbors, and the wide LGBTQ community apologizing for the move.
“The email issued [Wednesday] did not reflect the values of Progress Bar,” Romme wrote. “The content was unwelcoming and hurtful, and in retrospect, it should have never been written or sent. We seek to be a trusted member of the LGBTQ+ community and in the City of Chicago as a welcoming place for every person no matter their race, creed, or sexual orientation. We sincerely apologize to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and across Chicago for the hurt this message caused.”
According to The Advocate, the backlash was so fierce Romme was prompted to close the bar on Thursday, altogether, explaining it was “so we can begin working to heal the pain.”
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