Pulling The Gay Card: Is Discrimination The Real Reason Target Won’t Sell Frank Ocean’s New CD?

July 11th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Source: fuzionmag.com

It was only a matter of time before a slight aimed at Frank Ocean got wrapped up in an anti-gay controversy and Target happens to be first in line on the receiving end of the backlash.

The mega-retailer has reportedly decided not to sell T=the artist’s newest CD, “Channel Orange,” because he released it on iTunes last night, one week ahead of its July 17 release. Frank’s manager, Christian Clancy, has other ideas about why the CD won’t be sold on the store’s shelves, and of course he aired those sentiments on Twitter.

Homosexual discrimination certainly isn’t outside the realm of possibility but it does seem unlikely in this instance. For those who still buy CDs, Target is their go-to place and I imagine from a business perspective to place an order for X amount of CDs that likely won’t get sold now because people can and already are buying it online is not a loss Target is willing to take.

It would be quite bold for Target in the land of GLAAD to discriminate against Frank on the basis of his sexual orientation, particularly when his whole “coming out” put him in the minds of a lot of potential fans who didn’t even know who he was before last week. Anything is possible but this seems like one of those instances where someone got too happy with the d-word as we often do when it comes to racism.

What’s your take? Is Target’s stance a business choice or a discriminatory one?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

More on Madame Noire!

 

Tags:

, , , , , ,
More from StyleBlazer
More from MommyNoire

Comment Disclaimer

Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN

  • Reallyyo

    This is the most annoying publicity stunt ever! I was already annoyed with the fact that he came out as a “bisexual” on independence day. That’s not bravery, its a last attempt for attention..Why can’t just making good music be enough. Then his record label pushed the cd’s release day up because of the extra attention..and now Target is suppose to be so anti Frank Ocean because he is gay? How stupid does that sound! He is not the first artist to come out, and wont be the last..He is not that important! There are gay people everywhere..should I give him a cookie? I can respect all the other artist out there who hasn’t felt the need to come out the closet for attention!

  • Pingback: All About Calling Cards » Blog Archive » Who Says Target is Anti-Gay? Retailer Now Carries Same-Sex Wedding Cards

  • sammi_lu

    Ocean’s people are reaching..they have no reason to discriminate against him when they sell other musician’s who are openly gay. Interesting how his reps want to de-bunk claims that he came out to boost record sales now are pulling the gay card. I hope they don’t burn bridges with other distibutors in the process.

  • baddvixentype

    i dont care who’s selling or not selling. ill go the the crackhead up the street with the bootleg movies if i have to. Ocean’s My baby Still

  • Sher

    Oh please!!! Target is not like that. That manager has poor business sense. The damage is already done because people believe everything they hear. Silly man! Make sure you have all the facts before tweeting.

  • DoinMe

    His manager’s statement isn’t helping the situation for Frank’s future CD releases. Making public accusations and creating a twitter lynch mob without knowing for sure isn’t a smart business move.

  • http://www.facebook.com/brandon.hallme Brandon Hall

    Why refuse to sell the CD as a whole? Buy less if you think you will sell less. I think Target want the publicity as well.

  • Whatever!!

    Please, they sell Elton John’s music. Is it because he’s English (white)?? I love Frank Ocean, but think his manager needs to be contacting the marketing department and find out why they won’t put Frank Ocean’s music on their store shelves. Hes not the first artist that Target did not stock on its shelves. Instead of, making blanant statements such as the one he has.

  • Kenedy

    Ah….maybe because from a business standpoint, they don’t wanna risk freeing up shelf space, for an album that’s already presold online….now gay card is going to be pulled like the black card

  • lalatarea

    Target was caught making donations to a political party who wa against gay marriage. i remember it came out awhile ago and that’s why lady gaga didn’t want them to sell her albums, so i can kind of see why he might think that.

  • Candacey Doris

    I think it’s more because they don’t think he’s a good investment.

  • m.

    the manager apologize for his tweet, it seems that he didn’t knew about the real reason..
    A lot of people are buying the album, it’s not like it’s a flop or something.. Why not sell at least a few CDs?

  • DeVanneJuiceeJeniceChinn

    Target sells Adam Lambert’s cds, so clearly his bedroom boom isn’t the reason… LGBT try again

    • Papillon

      Yep, I bought Adam’s cd from there last month. Frank’s camp might want to do a little research before throwing out accusations.

  • Soulsis

    Frank Ocean: “Target will you sell my album please?” Target: “No.” Frank Ocean: “Why?”
    Target: “Okay, who did you say you were again?”

    • realadulttalk

      Right??? Lol He gets no airplay in my city.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=2813520 AnGelica MiracleChild Alsbrook

      Right. BUT Targets sells the CDs are of artists with less talent and potential and with far less powerful musical connections. Plenty of artists release their albums to iTunes first! Target is on some BS!!

  • L-Boogie

    His music is good point blank. Sell the man’s cd.

  • Jay

    They sell Lil Wayne’s crap, So it’s absurd that they wouldn’t sell frank oceans. He’s losing money over political bs.

  • bluekissess

    I’m tired of publicity stunts

    I’m sure Target isn’t the only store with his album just go to a store that has it.

Get the MadameNoire
Newsletter The best stories sent right to your inbox!
close [x]