Deadmau5, aka Joel Zimmerman, took offense to Madonna asking the crowd if they have “seen Molly”, referring club drug MDMA. This comes briefly after the release of her new album, with the title MDNA being a play on the drug, as well as an accompanying promotional video featuring television personality Dr. Drew talking about the album as if it was a recreational drug.
The ‘molly comment’ incited a profanity laced rant from Deadmau5 on his Facebook page, mocking Madonna in the original post with “very classy there Madonna. “HUR DUR HAS ANYONE SEEN MOLLY???” such a great message for the young music lovers at ultra. quite the f’n philanthropist. but hey, at least yer HIP AND TRENDY!”, and finishing with “That’s your big contribution to EDM? Thats your big message to ultra attendees? hipsterspeak for looking for drugs? fuck off you fucking IDIOT. fuck”.
Deadmau5 later apologized for the use of profanity but stood behind most of his message, posting a full length summary of his points on his Tumblr. He responded to much of the accusations of being a hypocrite, saying “I’m not perfect. i have my vices, and some of them are probably more harmful than a recreational drug or two… but i do know that i am at the very least morally obligated not to blatantly inflict or advocate anything that’s detrimental to society…I smoke cigarettes. yeah, it’s shitty i know, and its a personal problem that i struggle with… and i know how much it sucks, so my tour isn’t exactly sponsored by a cowboy of sorts…i try to make an effort as not to blatantly condone it in situations where the youngins are around”.
The main issue seems to be the DJ’s problem with such a high profile pop star essentially re-enforce one of the biggest negative stereotypes of the EDM scene, “the dark veil has been lifted slightly and the music and good times and technology is starting to shine through more and more than “the latest breaking news about such and such a drug found only at these underground TECHNO RAVES – Tonight on fox!””. Madonna’s appearance at Ultra, besides being viewed by the sold out all-age crowd and the thousands watching at home, also has attracted media coverage outside of the EDM scene.
What do you think of Deadmau5′s comments? Is he sticking up for a justifiable cause, or is this a huge overreaction? Let us know in our comments section.