Paramore remove ‘Say Their Names’ poster following comments from fans
Amid the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, one Paramore fan recently shared his recreation of the classic Riot! album artwork. The reimagined cover art features the names of victims who lost their lives to police brutality.
Following the positive feedback the artwork received from many, Paramore decided to launch a Say Their Names poster featuring the fan’s cover art. All of the proceeds from the poster were to be donated to the NAACP and Color Of Change. Following the poster’s announcement, the band received comments from fans regarding the message that was being sent with the new merch item.
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On Friday, Paramore took to social media to announce the launch of the Say Their Names poster. In the now-deleted tweet, the band revealed that all proceeds from the poster were being donated to the NAACP and the nonprofit Color Of Change.
Soon after the poster’s announcement, Paramore received various comments from fans expressing their concern about the merch item’s overall message. Some feel that the band are capitalizing on police brutality victims while others express that the poster comes off as insensitive.
Despite the fact that the poster was benefitting various organizations, some fans feel that the merch item is not the right way to give back to the movement.
we got paramore’s message and hayley’s message …. the artist’s creation, it wasn’t a bad thing, the thing that was off putting was the selling and distribution of the poster… letting it be an exploitative piece to the victims…. and those who are still mourning and angry ..
— dee ? (@rosexolored) July 10, 2020
we all know i’m a paramore stan but … what in the fuck. in what world did anybody think it was okay to make a poster of the names victim’s of police violence in the style of a rock album… i have no words. what the FUCK is wrong with white people??
— I’m deceased bruh on God (@annie_areu_okay) July 10, 2020
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i think that paramore poster would be good as a protest poster but not as something you hang in your room for decor or something? a little weird
— ??? (@LlKEPACIFIC) July 10, 2020
@yelyahwilliams @paramore ily guys so much and im the first to defend u but that poster isn’t right. if u guys were gonna do something like that i think the number one call would be to use a black artist, also having names plastered all over walls just seems disrespectful
— austin (@fakehappyyork) July 10, 2020
we know your intentions weren’t bad but seeing the names of black dead people due to police brutality hanging on a wall as some sort of “art piece” doesn’t sit right. you could hire black artists that do some amazing work to make paramore merch and donate the money❤️
— mora ? (@brickredroorn) July 10, 2020
I love you but this comes off very callous and weird. I’m glad you’re donating proceeds but something about letting people buy Paramore-esque style merch of victims of police brutality seems very disconnected.
— e (@coldethyI) July 10, 2020
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Since receiving the fans’ comments, the poster has been removed from Paramore’s merch store. Hayley Williams then took to Twitter to apologize.
“Alright, I’m reading comments and we are going to take the poster down,” she says. “Last month, people seemed to love it when it got shared. And truly, we wanted to signal boost it and create another small way to help give to orgs who are fighting against racial inequalities and injustices.”
alright i’m reading comments and we are going to take the poster down. last month, people seemed to love it when it got shared and truly, we wanted to signal boost it and create another small way to help give to orgs who are fighting against racial inequities and injustices.
— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) July 10, 2020
Williams continues by saying that the last thing Paramore want to do is offend people. As well, the removal of the poster is in “no slight” to the fan who originally designed the artwork.
“That being said,” Williams continues. “It does no good if it causes more offense than it honors the actual cause. This is no slight to the fan who designed it. However, the last thing we, as white people, should do in the midst of this is cause more confusion and potential harm.”
that being said, it does no good if it causes more offense than it honors the actual cause.
this is no slight to the fan who designed it. however, the last thing that we, as white people, should do in the midst of this is cause more confusion and potential harm.— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) July 10, 2020
She also says that she appreciates all of the fans who came forward with their opinions.
“Thank you to fans who wrote me about this for calling it like they see it,” she tweets. “Continuing to educate and have hard conversations. To those who saw the poster and were triggered, I am really sorry. We are passionate about this issue and will continue to deepen our understanding.”
thank you to the fans who wrote me about this for calling it like they see it – continuing to educate and have hard conversations. to those who saw the poster and were triggered, i really am sorry.
we are passionate about this issue and will continue to deepen our understanding!— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) July 10, 2020
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She concludes her statement by sending love to all of her fans and saying that she is using this ordeal as a learning experience.
“Man, I love yall. I love seeing people educate and learn in comments sections. Me included.”
man, i love yall. i love seeing people educate and learn in comments sections. me included. ???
— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) July 10, 2020
Back in June, Paramore announced they are donating $25,000 to Black Lives Matter Nashville, Campaign Zero and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They also took the time to express their love and gratitude for their LGBTQ+ and Black fan communities.
“Over the last couple of album cycles, one of the greatest things about being in Paramore has been the diversification of our band’s community of supporters,” the statement reads. “In 2017 and 2018, specifically, we played shows for the most diverse crowds of our entire career. We have very clearly benefited from so many different communities of people – and most apparent to us, the black and LGBTQ+ communities. It is our turn to stand in solidarity with our black fans, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc….and show our support in a very tangible way. These contributions are in addition to our commitment to be teachable, be vigilant, and be responsible with our privilege. We love you, we LOVE YOU…and BLACK LIVES MATTER.”
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What are your thoughts on Paramore’s Say Their Names poster? Let us know in the comments below.