BMG initiates campaign against anti-semitism

19 April 2018 - Press release

BMG CEO Masuch: Project will be supported with €100,000 donation
 
Music company BMG is to take a stand against a growing wave of anti-Semitism in Germany with a new campaign focused on schools. The company will partner with expert organisations in the field to tackle the problem in schools, particularly in the country’s capital, Berlin. BMG will fund the campaign to the tune of €100,000.

It is the company’s response to significant public concern about the rise of anti-Semitism provoked by the controversial appearance of artists Kollegah and Farid Bang at this year’s Echo Awards held on April 12.
 
BMG Worldwide CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “Recent news reports have produced shocking evidence of a new wave of anti-Semitism in German schools. BMG is utterly opposed to anti-Semitism. We know our artists and employees are behind us. We want to ensure that something positive emerges from the debate surrounding the ECHO Awards. "
 
In coordination with Banger Musik (Farid Bang) and Alpha Music Empire (Kollegah) BMG released the controversial album Jung, Brutal, Gutaussehend 3 which has led to widespread public debate in Germany.
 
Said Masuch, “Kollegah and Farid Bang have repeatedly made it clear on the internet and speaking in public that they are not anti-Semitic, and they have apologized for any distress caused by the lyrics in question. BMG stands for values such as artistic freedom, creativity and diversity. We take the current discussion as an opportunity to publicize our clear stance against anti-Semitism and are determined to actively engage on this issue.”