Music publicist Heathcliff Berru responds to sexual assault allegations

January 19 was a hectic day for the music industry. After several Tweets from Dirty Projectors' singer Amber Coffman came to light accusing publicist and founder of Life or Death PR and Management Heathcliff Berru of sexual assault, the conversation quickly escalated as other women in the music industry began opening up to share their own experiences of alleged inappropriate behavior enacted by Berru as well. The news circulated, and by the afternoon, two former clients (artists Wavves and DIIV) had renounced their partnerships with the company and Heathcliff Berru filed an official resignation from his position at Life or Death.

Though many took his departure as admittance of guilt, finally Berru has spoken up to take (some) responsibility and offer his explanation for the many allegations. Largely, he credits his "inappropriate conduct" to a long-standing battle against drugs and alcohol and claims he'll be passing his position to the company's president Nick Dierl to check into a rehabilitation facility to "take care of [himself]" without distraction.

He claimed a general responsibility for his behavior, but emphasized that he never drugged anyone, as previous allegations pointed to. Read Berru's statement in full, below.

There have been several reports about my alleged inappropriate behavior which deserve a response. I am deeply sorry for those who I have offended by my actions and how I have made certain women feel. If I crossed the line of decency or respectfulness in situations when I was drunk and under the influence, there is no excuse of course. To be clear, while my conduct may have been inappropriate, I have never drugged anyone or engaged in that type of behavior. Nevertheless, I do not want to be the type of person who would let drugs or alcohol take command of his life and compromise how he treats people. Yet I have been this person and it's time to put a stop to all of this. Create a world with one less inappropriate man.

I have been fighting a losing battle against drugs and alcohol for many years and will be checking into a rehabilitation facility in the hope that I can improve my chances of winning that fight. A year ago, I was confronted by a peer and began to try to clean up and make things right with therapy and with an eye towards quitting the addiction. The shame and sadness feels as strong now as it did then and I am making an immediate change.

In no way do these allegations reflect on Life or Death PR, its staff, or anyone associated with the company. These are my issues, not theirs. I could not be more proud of the company and what it stands for. That being said I have stepped down as the CEO and relinquishing all responsibility to the current president, Nick Dierl. The company shouldn't have to deal with this distraction and I want Nick and the rest of the team to continue to do their good work while I take care of myself.

[Via: Billboard]

Valerie Lee is Mixmag's West Coast Editor. Follow her on Twitter