Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Blackface Fraternity Is Redfaced, Suspends Itself
The UC Irvine fraternity involved in a controversial blackface video that went viral last week has voluntarily suspended its status as a registered campus organization until fall 2014. As we originally reported, the video, set to Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z's 'Suit and Tie,' featured a member of the Lambda Theta Delta fraternity in blackface.
The university has since launched an investigation into whether any disciplinary action is needed.
As ABC7 reports, the fraternity issued a statement on Wednesday, saying: "This decision is mainly due to the abhorrent, insensitive and highly offensive blackface video created by our members that has been circulated widely on the Internet. We are aware that the campus has initiated an investigation of our behavior in several videos involving racial insensitivity and alcohol use. We are cooperating fully with the University's investigation."
The article goes on to state, "Members say they remain committed to repairing the harm they created."
We just hope that's enough to placate Angry Asian Man, whose Tweets today included the following:
According to the LA Times, "Lambda Theta Delta President Darius Obana said the 'Suit and Tie' video was made by a small group of members unaware of the video's racist implications."
Sponsored message
Really? We can only assume the booze was clouding their judgment.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
