UK Rapper Octavian Has Been Dropped By Label Over Abuse Allegations
His debut album was due to be released the next day.
UK rapper Octavian has been dropped by his label one day before his debut album was set for release, after he was accused of abusive behaviour by an ex-girlfriend.
— This article discusses sexual assault —
Over the past weekend, Octavian Godji was accused of physical abuse by a musician who goes by Emo Baby, who dated the rapper for three years. On both Twitter and Instagram, she accused him of “constant physical, verbal and psychological abuse”, including hitting her with a hammer after pressuring her to get an abortion
She also included video and photos of the alleged abuse and claimed his label had tried to pay her off with £20,000 in exchange for a NDA, suggesting they were aware of the alleged violence.
The rapper has vehemently denied the accusations, saying that while they did date, he was never abusive and would “deal with” the accusations legally.
In response, the rapper has been dropped by record label Black Butter and his UK publicity team, Pattern Publicity. The label said in a short statement they would not release his debut album Alpha, due this week.
“We at Black Butter have taken the decision not to continue working with Octavian and we will not be releasing his album,” the label wrote.
“We do not condone domestic abuse of any kind and we have suggested Octavian seeks professional help at this time.”
While the statement doesn’t directly address the accusations they were aware of the alleged abuse, it implies they were not. In her statement, Emo Baby alleged that several album tracks detail violent fantasies about her.
“The reason I have decided to share my story with Octavian now before his album is I don’t want anyone to look up to this man, especially not young girls and listen to the dark music he makes to celebrate his abuse,” she wrote.
She also includes screenshots of seeming correspondence with UK Metropolitan police, who appear to be ‘reopening’ an investigation into the abuse.
Octavian was slated to perform across Australia at FOMO this January, but cancelled a month out due to album recording commitments. He has previously worked with the likes of Skepta, Diplo, Mura Masa, A$AP Ferg, Future and many more, and had released two EPs and a mixtape. Last year, he won the BBC Sound of 2019 award.
You can read Emo Baby’s allegations in full here and here, which both feature graphic images and video.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.