Atlantic Records boss Ben Cook, mentor to Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, to quit over 'blackface' controversy

Telegraph Reporters
Ben Cook with Atlantic artists Cardi B and Ed Sheeran
Ben Cook with Atlantic artists Cardi B and Ed Sheeran

Last year, a photo of Atlantic Records UK president Ben Cook in blackface at a staff fancy dress party was posted to Facebook.

The party, which took place seven years ago and was themed to guests' musical icons, was attended by Cook dressed as a member of Run-DMC, the all-black American hip-hop group. The photo was then swiftly deleted and Cook was subsequently disciplined.

On Wednesday October 16, however, Cook stepped down from his position at the label where he had worked for 12 years.

The British rapper Stormzy, who is signed to Atlantic, was reported to have threatened to quit the label in protest.

According to The Sun, Stormzy banned Cook from standing near the stage at his headline Glastonbury performance in June and is said to have told senior figures at Warner Music, the parent company of Atlantic, that he would leave the label if Cook was not fired.

Stormzy performing at Glastonbury in June - Credit: WireImage
Stormzy performing at Glastonbury in June Credit: WireImage

Warner Music, however, denied that the rapper had any hand in Cook's resignation. “That’s simply not true,” a spokesperson told Music Business Worldwide. “No artists were involved in our decision-making.”

Cook, who is credited with having launched Ed Sheeran's career after giving him his first record label, as well as signing Stormzy and Rita Ora, released a statement in response to his departure:

"It is with great sadness that today I announce I am stepping down as president of Atlantic Records UK," he said.

"Seven years ago, at a birthday party where guests were asked to come dressed as their favourite musical icon, I came as a member of Run-DMC. Late last year rumours began to circulate about my appearance at that event, many of which are simply untrue.

"While my intention was to honour a musical hero, I recognise my appearance was offensive and I made a terrible mistake."

Grime MC Wiley, who worked with Cook on his 2008 hit Wearing My Rolex defended him on Twitter: "Ben Cook is not racist. Give that man back his job." Another rapper, Kojey Radical, tweeted: "Very dumb move, past or present. But he aint a racist."

A statement from Warner Music, the parent company of Atlantic, said: "Ben Cook is leaving Atlantic UK and this will be his last week in the office."