Universal Deny Blocking Morrissey Paris Tribute Release, Call Morrissey’s Accusations "Hurtful and Wrong"

Update (11/24, 3:13 p.m): Universal Music have denied Morrissey’s claims, calling his accusations “hurtful and wrong.” See below for a statement from a representative.

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Morrissey has claimed that David Joseph, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK and Ireland, has blocked his plans to reissue Years of Refusal track “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” to commemorate the victims of the attacks earlier this month. 

A statement released via True to You reads:

David Joseph at Universal Music in London has refused the request made by Morrissey and the band to re-issue ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’ as a loving tribute to the lives lost in the Paris atrocities. David Joseph is instead arranging his own tribute to Paris utilizing his current crop of Universal artists.

Later, Morrissey reiterated his dissatisfaction with Joseph.

Update (11/24, 3:13 p.m): Universal’s statement:

We have not received – let alone refused – any request from Morrissey himself related to ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’. While we have not been contacted directly by Morrissey, after seeing the comments on his website last week, we asked his representative to confirm his intentions and which charity he had in mind to support via the song’s proceeds. We are yet to receive a reply.

Many people at Universal Music have been personally affected by the events in Paris. The implication that we have blocked a request from Morrissey in favour of another tribute “utilizing our current crop of Universal artists” is hurtful and wrong.

Pitchfork has reached out to Universal for comment.

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