Ariel Pink dropped by record label after attending pro-Trump rally

Artist confirmed his attendance but denied claims he was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol building

Indie-rock musician Ariel Pink has been dropped by his record label after it was reported that he attended a pro-Trump rally last week.

The label tweeted that “due to recent events” it has “decided to end [its] working relationship” with the artist.

Pink – real name Ariel Marcus Rosenberg – came under fire earlier this week after it was reported that he had been present at a pro-Trump rally on the White House Lawn on Wednesday (6 January), shortly before a mob, some of whom were armed, stormed the US capitol building.

Responding to criticism from fans on Twitter, Pink confirmed his attendance at the rally but disputed claims that he was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol.

The 42-year-old wrote: “I was in DC to peacefully show my support for the president. I attended the rally on the White House lawn and went back to hotel and took a nap. Case closed.”

He added: “I don’t and never have advocated for violent confrontation or rioting. Must be my boomer upbringing.”

During this past week, the artist – who has said that “Trump and his team are THE geniuses of our time” – also shared his support for Trump’s debunked claims about voter fraud, while making it clear that he accepts that President-elect Joe Biden won the election.

Mexican Summer had released Pink’s latest album, Dedicated to Bobby Jameson, in 2018, and had been set to release Pink’s forthcoming music later this month on 29 January.

The Los Angeles-born musician is best known for his first single “Round and Round”, which was named the number one record of 2010 by Pitchfork.

The Independent has contacted both Pink’s representative and Mexican Summer for comment.