Yesterday afternoon, the retail company Target found itself in hot water when news of their refusal to stock Frank Ocean’s ‘Channel Orange’ LP emerged on LP.
Citing his decision to release the project to iTunes one week before initially scheduled as their cause for doing so, their rumored affiliations with anti- LGBTQ organisations led many to believe this was not the case.
This, because Ocean had revealed he had been romantically involved with another man aged 19.
Now, the company has hit back at these claims by way of Billboard Biz.
Read below…
They explained:
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.
Target has a longstanding tradition of supporting music and artistry that reflects the diverse landscape of American culture. Our history of partnering with diverse artists includes recent partnerships with a variety of musicians, such as Ricky Martin, B.o.B., and Gloria Estefan.
Soon after, Ocean’s rep Christian Clancy tweeted:
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.
![Performances: American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special [Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, & More]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/amas-50-anniversary-mariah-carey-performance-chaka-khan-whitney-houston-jennifer-hudson-thatgrapejui-464x260.jpg "Performances: American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special [Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, & More].")
SEe thats what happens when ignorant people are quick to pass judgement. Of course we still can’t rule out gay undertones for no hosting his music but that is insigificant to why there are hosting his music. Im sure there are many contract obligations that have no been fulfilled with this early release date.
exactly target is out to make money like everyone else..
…
Muppet Baby Creator Tells Tiny (Ti’s Wife) To Change Her Face; Doesn’t Believe Resemblance to Miss Piggy Is an Accident – http://goo.gl/kW4Ho …this was mean but so funny
Thirsty b****.
Wow! Frank team really tried to play the sexuality card?! I can’t believe how gullible you all are. They are playing you all for FOOLS. Him being “bi” is just a PR Tool to sell this album, notice how he decided to “come out” right before his album dropped and how quick they were so quick to fire up the gay community making it seem as if is album wasn’t in target due to him being “bi?” He’s a stunt queen like the rest of them. I wasn’t much of a fan then and damn sure not now just because he wrote a dramatic story, admitting to being another mans sidepiece.
I hear you loud and clear. I think he’s bi or like men but I also feel like it’s a strong possibility he’s exploiting the community. I seems to strategic. You make a valid point my friend.
Totally agree, exploiting his sexuality thats what they are doing, its going to hurt him in the long run. I swear his lable and team are such ………
But Nicki TRIED to do the same thing. She came out and played that “I like women card” which is how she got a majority of her fanbase and then when she went mainstream she all of a sudden doesn’t date or sleep with women. if hes only coming out to sell albums then so be it, but HONESTLY, if he was doing it JUST to sell records or get money he would have done it 2 years ago when Odd Future first dropped. Frank isn’t doing it for the sales. Hes doing it because he’s challenging US as the listeners. Okay, you’ve heard the music, you see the talent, you KNOW my name holds weight now…But will it change when you find out I like men?
Co-Sign.
Christian is an idiot. No professional should make knee jerk accusations against a company. Anyone with sense who goes to Target knows that they carry music from people of all backgrounds. The world does not revolve around Frank Ocean.
the album is nice but this is a stunt.
I’m sorry, but why do gay people have to be the victim? If this was black folk news it would’ve been posted because we’re expected to suck it up and get on with it. Example: Alexandra Burke blacklisted for no known reason from the major radio stations, TGJ haven’t bothered to find out the cause or Di regular postings about it, and what does she do, get on with it, no knee jerk reactions, no accusations of any kind. Mr Ocean is hardly hurting from targets refusal to carry his music so what’s te issue?
Why is she being blacklisted ….that’s cray the girl can sing …..see this is what happen when you let these gimmick ass artist in the game , it make it harder for the ones who have the talent.
Who is the girl you are speaking of? Frank is a man and he is not a gimmick either.
I just want to know why is Alexandra Burke blacklisted? There has got to be a reason.
Actually whenever anything happens to a black artist, the race card is the first thing that gets played.
Alexandra isn’t being blacklisted, her voice is great but her music is less than impressive, completely lacks any form of depth and is nothing more than generic. Nothing can save Heartbreak on Hold because the album is just a bad copy of every other pop-dance album out there & the radio stations probably know her music won’t get the airplay so they’re not gonna bother playing it. She needs new management.
How many consecutive publicity stunts are we going to undergo for this guy to push his damn album. First, the rumours about his sexuality, then his open letter, then the performance, then the rushed release of his album and now the Target fiasco. Just STOP! Even his most passionate bandwagon fans know damn well that his album would sell 40k at best if it wasn’t for the fabricated scandals.
Ok after a number of FO posts, it’s safe to say you are not fond of this young by any means and thats fine but for someone that has “sincere” in that alias, its kinda cunniving on your part. The rumours of his sexuality came from one of the media personnel that previewed his album n gave an account of it, thats something all artists do. That was not a stunt. The letter was to on his album anyway,he only put it out early when speculation continued to mount. How can owning up to One’s sexuality be a stunt? It is what it is. I’m sorry, did u just call a LIVE PERFORMANCE a PUBLICITY STUNT? WTH??? The rush release couldnt have been his doing, that was a move by his label to cash in … That’s something labels do, cash in. It is after all a business not a charity venture. Tell me how’s the target fiasco his fault? The person who spoke out of line has apologised for her silliness. Frank dint make her post that tweet. He’s a brilliant refreshing artist in this stale industry. Please give him a chance.
I have NOTHING against Frank Ocean. I said that I’m going to support him if his album is good enough and that’s pretty much a direct quote off of one of my comments on the post about his open letter.
After the rushed release of his album and the whole Target controversy, I’m indifferent about him. When he came out of the closet, I called him brave. When he pushed his album up for sales, I called him desperate. I don’t condone what his team did and still does and I have the right to express that. Still, if his album was good enough to overshadow his promotional stunts, I wouldn’t say a word, but his album sounds average to me. If I was a hater, my comments about him would be very different… I’m only stating the obvious.
U keep sayin u have nothing against him yet your comments on his posts remain condescending like that 40k sales bit. Can he help it if he’s sexuality boosts his profile? Afterall his contemporaries out there – Trey, CB all rely on their lewd stage antics to sway their hormonal fangirls into buyin their albums.
It’s unfortunate u dont like the album but thats fine. U are entitled to ur opinion. Frank has always enjoyed critical acclaim. Way b4 his sexuality came to light. I still dont see the sense in holding the target controversy against him. Did he say a word on it?
I never doubted that Frank Ocean is a good artist, even though, apart from 3 songs, his new album didn’t blow my mind tbqh. All I said was that so many publicity stunts have taken place this week that it makes me almost dislike him.
If you go back to his open letter post on TGJ, you’ll see I wasn’t critical at all. I applauded him for being honest and brave. The only negative thing I said about him then was that the structure of the letter was OTT. I started changing my mind and my stance when he pushed his album up, thus making the whole message he was trying to convey seem superficial, staged and strategic and I don’t like that. I still don’t think I’m being THAT harsh on him. I’m mostly criticizing his team. The only negative comment I’ve made directly to him as an artist is that his album is monotonous.
Virtuoso Intellect Replied:
July 12th, 2012 at 8:20 am
Ok after a number of FO posts, it’s safe to say you are not fond of this young by any means and thats fine but for someone that has “sincere” in that alias, its kinda cunniving on your part. The rumours of his sexuality came from one of the media personnel that previewed his album n gave an account of it, thats something all artists do. That was not a stunt. The letter was to on his album anyway,he only put it out early when speculation continued to mount. How can owning up to One’s sexuality be a stunt? It is what it is. I’m sorry, did u just call a LIVE PERFORMANCE a PUBLICITY STUNT? WTH??? The rush release couldnt have been his doing, that was a move by his label to cash in … That’s something labels do, cash in. It is after all a business not a charity venture. Tell me how’s the target fiasco his fault? The person who spoke out of line has apologised for her silliness. Frank dint make her post that tweet. He’s a brilliant refreshing artist in this stale industry. Please give him a chance.
Frank only came out and released the letter from Channel Orange because people that previewed the project were questioning his sexuality.The live performance showed he’s no joke when it comes to singing live and the cd shows he has mad talent.I feel that some people will criticize him no matter what.
I have to admit that I was one of the people that were fawning over Frank Ocean after reading his letter but now I find myself becoming extremely incensed by him and his team and TGJ
I wouldn’t be surprised if after selling hundred of thousands of his album he comes out and says that the “letter” was actually not about him but blah blah blah.
*Changes channel*
What has he done wrong since then? He went on tv to promote his album with a performance, forgoing a possible interview.
I enjoy/respect Frank’s music but I’m going to be honest. I don’t see what the big fuss is about over this album. I admit, I was one of the ones who was so excited to hear this album because everyone began talkign about it. He’s talented but If he hadn’t come out and talked about his sexuality then hardly anyone would be checking for this album. That’s just being honest. How many people knew he even had an album coming out until after he releasd that letter?!! *Crickets…..* I mean there’s people doing reviews and making youtube videos about this album who didn’t even know what Frank Ocean looked like until like yesterday.
That was BEYOND stupid.
How the f*** do you make a PUBLIC knee-jerk comment against a major CORPORATION that could easily sue your ass for defamation?
Now I’m starting to view this man and his entire ‘sexuality’ as being nothing more than a publicity stunt. Furthermore they don’t care who they drag down to sell one f****** album. No surprise Beyonce was in this, eye roll, we all know shelves a good publicity stunt too.
I’d suggest Frank and his management calm their thirsty asses down before they find themselves ‘blacklisted’ by the buying population too because that s***? Talk about offending.
Still, thats a stupid reason not to sell his album. F*** Target.
Some of y’all need to stfu and get a f****** life off the Internet.
Says the one who is also posting on the internet…Ummm
For all others who choose to put sone of the past week’s events down to Frank. Pls see my response to @ASAP up there. Frank is not one to rely on sexuality. He is simply being honest in his music. He didnt ask to be this poster child his label/ mgmt are trying to make him and if u focus on whats really important – THE MUSIC, you’d know this too. Besides so what if his sexuality boosts his profile? After all the malignment gays have suffered in the industry, its only fair the pendulum starts to swing their way. Nicki Minaj & Gaga lied about their sexuality to broaden their fanbase. Frank ain even makin that kinda sappy dumb ibiza party music. Coming out coulda gone either way for him career-wise. How many other gay/bi men are gettin played on urban radio? I’ll wait
Agree! Most of nowadays generic artists play with their sexuality but Frank cannot? In fact the other ones lied about it just to create controversy or seem cool. This guy just said the truth
Never thought there’d be a day you and i would be on the same page but you’re on point
You guys cut it out lol
This is cray , but either way Frank is still winning.
I agree,I have always loved Frank’s music and I do find it odd that female gimmicks like Nicki Minaj and Rihanna come out insinuating they like women and no one says a thing but now all of the sudden a MAN write about his first real love being for a man and now people are having issues?
I didn’t want to believe it but I am beginning to believe there is a lot of homophobia in The Black community afterall….
Lord knows I’ve been a Frank fan when he used to go with the name Lonny back in 2008, and I will continue to support him, but I have to say ever since he came out, he has me going Hmmmm or looking at him with a side eye…. But love to him regardless, now listening to #Pilate Jone..
Hello TGJ,
The new billboard list has come out. Cher Lloyd has leapfrogged from 75 – to 51 – to 35 – to 27. Cher is now in the top TWENTY Well done Cher, she is at 27.
Rita Ora has slipped from 65 to 68. LOL LOL LOL Her song has been out longer and been more promoted than Cher.
I am posting here Sam, because I know you do not want to accept the fact that your Rita is done. You base a web ripping one of the biggest superstars on the planet, but fail to mention the vital facts.
Where have you been is at NUMBER 6 – STILL HEAVY ON THE TOP 10.
I’m still for someone to tell me what exactly Frank has done to “exploit” his sexuality !!!
He’s new to the scene (knida of) and i’m already fed up with him. He needs to get lost.
Agreed. Enough Frank.
Hun no one is going to answer cause they have no answer.
Hell from my understanding the man never said he was gay , but had a crush or love for another man. @VI correct me if I’m wrong
You ain never lied hun
wow…..
before him and his team claimed that Target didnt want to sell his album because he was gay, they should have done their research first…
this is not a good look for him and his team..now people really going to think hes using his sexual preference as a way to promote/sell his album…
H** STFU Ya always love to bring another brother DOWN
F*** TARGET
F*** CHANNEL ORANGE.
Smh u see how uneducated bum b****** twist words; “him and his team …. ” indeed. Stupid h**
In other news, the Miami heat have won #BestTeam for ESPY..And I agree with dude about people not knowing frank ocean. Dude was HIGHLY unknown. And honestly, when I seen that he was the one that sung lame ass novacane..that told me all I needed to know. Dude is boring and I can’t with that song..
Frank Ocean is replacing Gaga is the new “stunt queen.” I have no respect for that. Sorry. I don’t care how talented he’s supposed to be or how good his music allegedly is, I don’t like the way he and his camp have been trying to push this album and am starting to turn against him.
Frank is obviously shady in character and is willing to do anything for attention. I can’t wait for all this calculated buzz to die down.
Frank..oh franknetta
What are you going to do When the buzz dies down and people realize you’re not even worth comparing to the low level R&B stars of the 90’s….smh all that hype for nothing.
To the gay,lesbian,trans community please don’t endorse these artist. They pray upon the fact that you support your artist.
Here’s willing to bet he isn’t even gay or bi.
These stars will do anything to sell
BTW the album sucks too….
at least now he can check the haters box now. like rihanna said, if u aint got haters, better get some. it’s part n parcel of success
Happy to oblige him there, because I can’t stand dude.
#Frank Hater.
well there’s something to brag about … what else did u do today?
I don’t trust Frank…that’s all I’m gonna say. I think he’s nefarious and I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.
I am really beginning to think most of you Frank haters are Chris Brown fans who are mad because a real talent has hit the mainstream….
TARGET WILL BE SELLING MY NEW DANCE/GOSPEL ALBUM NEXT YEAR! SO MAKE SURE YALL GO AND BUY A COPY.BEYONCE SAID SHE IS. THANKS YALL!
I don’t know why all this controversy with this guy, i always think if another Man cares for another man’s sexuality it’s because he’s gay, i don’t think i straight man would care for anyone sexuality to the point to be homophobic. The man is in love with another man, get over it, homophobic people are Gays in the closet.
You’re naive. Not all homophobes are gay. That’s like saying a racist is secretly whatever the race they’re bigoted against. Some people just don’t like other people who are different.
Lmfao @the people who bought this queens stunt in the first place and this is coming from an ex Frank ocean fan. I thought that his music was good enough to speak for him but i was wrong, hence the publicity whoring.
Frank is a b**** made n**** trying to use his love of d*** sucking as a way to propel his otherwise boring music.
Target shouldn’t have responded to s***. Their initial reasoning for not carrying the album was suffice enough; I wish they hadn’t bothered to dignify Frank’s managers silly accusation with a response. Whatever reason they choose to not stock his album is their business, they don’t owe it to him to. And shame on Ocean’s team for playing the gay card (a second time) for publicity. Rather than coming off like a musician, he’s coming across more like the token gay guy on The Real World.
Wow.. So it turns out Frank Ocean used the Gay/Lesbian community.. *sigh..* Makes no difference really, no heterosexual black woman, now listening to a Frank Ocean song, will ever listen to it as she once had before..
“115-125k” means “the gays” saw RIGHT through Frank’s charade, and after THIS most-recent revelation, won’t ever claim him.
R&B/Hip Hop won’t again look at him in the same manner…
*picture this..* A black “R&B loving” woman is having a romantic moment with HER man, a Frank Ocean song is heard in the background, she THEN begins to think “Hmm.. So this Frank Ocean is bisexual, and bisexual black men – as the numbers will show – are giving str8 black women, like me, H**; is he singing to me, a woman, or to his ‘Maxima-driving, probably H**-havin’, first-love’ boyfriend?”
Frank Ocean gambled and risked it all when HE went all-in with his recent revelation, but he held a losing hand.
Frank thought he could ride the supposed growing wave of acceptance of “same-s** unions”. Boy, did HE guess wrong!!
He’s finished! His career is now officially over! The only gigs Frank Ocean will now be able to land are the ‘Urban Gay Pride’ parades. You won’t be able to miss him, he’ll be the one with the comely look on his face “bringing up the rear” while ‘standing proudly’ on the recently returned from Afghanistan “soldiers-for-the-rainbow” float.
X,Y,”and Z” — OUT..!!
Well Def Jam has released a statement saying that none of this was a publicity stunt…I could care less if it’s not, or if it is…anyway, The Target complaint from his team is/was bullcrap because Target sells albums from openly gay/bi artists, YES, there were other gay/bi artists before Frank Ocean..It’s crazy how some of Frank’s fans are on twitter using the race card now because Adam Lambert is sold in Target…whatever, so I guess it’s Lambert and Whiteys’ fault now for Target? How stupid can you sound? I applaud Frank’s honesty about himself, but his team and his fans need to get a grip….The whole thing is running the risk of becoming “Victimhood Overload”. Anyways, congrats to Frank and his sales and I wonder what the longterm Promo plan of the Music on Channel Orange is?
My name is Lindani Mazibuko from South Africa and I am a 22-year-old gay black man.
I am in utter shock and disgust at the level of implicit and explicit homophobia that clearly is ripe in the “African” American community. It saddens me to find out that a first-world country like America has such hate for people like myself for no reason at all. You are completely allowed to not like Frank Oceans album, however you’re not entitled to make any person judgements on the man. When n overwhelming majority of proffessional musical critics praise Channel Orange and you cone into a black-oriented blog and you find such vitriol and hate for this artist, it doesn’t take much effort to discern where the true source of this dislike comes from: the homophobia of black people in the so called “land of possibility”.
I am extremely saddened buy the fact that the very hate and violence I have endured for 20 years from my African brothers and sisters still awaits me in my African American brothers and sisters also. The hypocracy of your countrys democracy is what makes other nations dislike Americans so much.