Canal Street Online Manchester

Statement by John Hamilton of Bar Pop

Statement by John Hamilton of Bar Pop

As many of you are aware, recent upset has been caused by a poster depicting images which have been interpreted as racist and negative toward POC within our community. Whilst we attempted to release a previous statement clarifying the situation, we feel that you are all owed, as valued members of our community, a fuller explanation and more so, an apology.

The poster in question depicted the rainbow flag, with a picture of a unicorn vomiting brown and black stripes. The poster was not designed by us or shared on any of our social media pages. It was a third-party design by a designer who is well known for providing Miss Peggy Wessex with artwork for their shows. The intention behind this imagery was not to offend POC, but as a negative response to Manchester Pride. It was ill thought out, insensitive and something which we would not wish to promote.

As owners of the bar, we are held responsible and accountable for any advertising with our Bar Pop Logo. Whilst currently out of the country, we were contacted by a customer whom asked whether we saw how the imagery could be offensive. As we knew the reasoning behind it, initially none of us looked at in this way and for this we apologise. However, after being brought to our attention, we immediately requested that the offending material be removed.

We believe that this situation has taught us an invaluable lesson and we strive to be more

sensitive toward ALL members of our community, after all we are supposed to be one. We do not promote any non-inclusion or discrimination of any kind. The imagery in question was clearly not very well thought through and we hope that this situation can prove to be a lesson to all about how what we post, and what we design, can have different meanings toward different people. In an ever-changing world; we have a responsibility to ensure that our PR and anything put into the public realm is not just put out there or based on a ‘joke’ which is open for interpretation.

We would like to thank our Village friends, work colleagues and in particular George House Trust for their support throughout this. We would also thank those performers whom will be attending to raise money during Nana’s Celebration of Life for their professionalism and understanding.

Having written the above with heavy hearts and sincere apologies, we can only begin to help make up for the upset and distress which has been caused. In such context, it has been agreed that Miss Peggy Wessex will no longer perform at the Celebration of Life.

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Published: 30-Jan-2019: (5252)

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