Gary Richards issues apology for recent Hard Summer trailer

While we admire the intent of the video (shown below) recognizing the need for more diversity and female djs on festival lineups, the trailer itself in our view was a bit in poor taste and unfortunately not that funny.  Gary Richards the founder of Hard Events issued this statement to the LA Times:

“Here at Hard Events we are here for everyone. The Hard Summer trailer was created as a satirical piece to raise consciousness at a time when equality issues are of utmost importance. Our goal is to promote good music and we are trying to give women more of a platform at our festival.

My intentions here were only to help, not offend anyone, in supporting Agata’s vision and message. I understand that she does not speak for all women and how people could be upset by the trailer. There is always a risk of misinterpretation when satire is used, but we felt it was right to let her express herself and have creative control over the piece. We want to extend a sincere apology to those who were offended.

We hope the conversations started by this piece bring the change we intended and we will continue to be a champion for Women’s rights within our community and world at large.”