A manager for R&B singer Frank Ocean, who publicly came out of the closet last week, apologized to retail giant Target after suggesting that they would not be selling his clients CD because of his sexual orientation, according to a report from Billboard magazine.
Target revealed that it would not be carrying Ocean’s debut studio album “Channel Orange,” due to the label’s decision to sell it digitally on iTunes ahead of its scheduled release date. But while Ocean’s manager Christian Clancy, announced via his Twitter page that they would not carry the disc due to the iTunes exclusive, he also implied that the decision had something to do with his admission about his sexuality.
"Target has refused to carry Frank's album because of iTunes exclusive," Clancy initially tweeted.. "Interesting since they also donate to non-equal rights organizations."
Last year, Target came under fire for canceling a $10 million campaign for Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” It was widely reported that it was canceled due to the company’s alleged support for candidates who were opposed to gay rights.
But Target later issued a statement to Billboard magazine, denying that Ocean’s sexuality played any role in the matter.
“The claims made about Target's decision to not carry the Frank Ocean album are absolutely false. Target supports inclusivity and diversity in every aspect of our business. Our assortment decisions are based on a number of factors, including guest demand.”
Clancy later backtracked on his tweet, saying “I apologize for my comments about Target. They are not carrying Frank's album because it went digital first. Not for ANY other reason. … My response was simply an emotional knee jerk reaction. … Stop. Breath. Do the best you can. Be honest. Keep it moving."
Ocean’s album is projected to debut at number 2 on the Billboard Charts next week, according to Billboard.
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