BMG donates €100,000 to fight anti-Semitism in Germany after Echo Awards controversy

BMG has announced that it is donating €100,000 to help tackle what it calls “a growing wave of anti-Semitism in Germany”.

The company says it will partner with ‘expert organisations’ in the field to tackle the problem in schools, particularly in the country’s capital, Berlin.

The move is a topical one: nationwide concern in Germany has been raised this week over lyrical content featured on Kollegah and Farid Bang’s ‘Jung, Brutal, Gutaussehend 3′ album – which is distributed by BMG.

The appearance of the rappers at Germany’s Echo Awards on April 12 has led to outcry in the media over lyrics on the LP which some have accused of being anti-Semitic.

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.”

Added 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.”Music Business Worldwide

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