New York-based musician The Dare has faced backlash for using children as a disturbing cover art for his new album
‘It’s pure and simple pedophilia’: New York-based musician The Dare has faced backlash for using children in a disturbing cover for his new album The Sex, which features lyrics about girls, sex and drugs contains
- 27-year-old Harrison Patrick Smith released his first EP, The Sex, on May 12, with a provocative cover that appeared to depict children in sexual poses
- Smith, who records as The Dare, produces music known as “indie-sleaze”: He was signed to Taylor Swift and Drake’s Republic Records label in April
- Critics accused Smith, who until December was a substitute teacher at a private school in Manhattan’s West Village, of promoting pedophilia
A New York “indie sleaze” musician has been accused of glorifying pedophilia with a provocative album cover that shows models in sexual poses that look like children.
Harrison Patrick Smith, 27, records as The Dare.
As late as December he was working as a substitute teacher at a West Village private school: In April he signed to Taylor Swift and Drake’s Republic Records label – a division of Universal Music Group.
Smith’s debut EP The Sex was released on May 12 and the cover features two young girls who appear to be children.
Both are dressed in girlish attire: one, which looks like school sportswear, is hunched over by a man, while the other, in a school-style gray pleated skirt, sits astride a man lying on his back.
Harrison Patrick Smith, 27, who records as The Dare, released his first album this month and the cover immediately sparked trouble
Smith was a teacher in Manhattan until December: in April he signed to Taylor Swift and Drake’s Republic Records label
The record label took up the controversy, tweeting: “Enjoy @itsthedare’s ‘the sex ep’ – we trust you.”
They accompanied the tweet with the album art and a winking emoji.
“This is pedophilia, pure and simple,” said one.
‘Disgusting. “I hope all adults involved are shamed and held accountable,” said another.
One commented, “I’m sure they just look like kids – but the conclusion is sickening and I’m sure it’s aimed at publicity through celebrity.”
Another said: “This isn’t going to go the way you think it will.” Why do you encourage the sexual exploitation of young girls?
“This is unacceptable, child abuse is not fashionable.” Pedophilia is unacceptable.’
In the Instagram post, a child psychotherapist said the image was deeply disturbing.
“This is a depiction of pedophilia, I repeat, it’s a pedophile image,” she said.
“It’s horrific.” “If someone tells you who they are, believe them.” You told us who you are.
“I am a child psychotherapist and well trained in child safeguarding. That has to be dismantled.’
Another commented: “This picture is child abuse not art!” I can’t understand how this was approved.
“This is pedophilia hiding in plain sight.”
“I’m also worried about the girls’ agents/parents. Are you happy with this picture too?’ Disgusting and appalled.’
The photo was taken by Leander Capuozzo, a Staten Island-born photographer and artist.
“The sex ep art of mine,” he tweeted – and was met with a barrage of condemnation.
Smith was recently hailed as a new child prodigy W Magazine on May 17 called him a “New York star” whose “career has already eclipsed that of many of his ancestors,” and GQ Magazine He described him as “a downtown star and a rising rock star”.
He DJs club nights in lower Manhattan and has played an afterparty after Celine’s fashion launch: In January he sat next to Nick Cave in the front row of a Gucci show in Milan.
Neither Capuozzo, Smith nor Republic Records have responded to DailyMail.com’s requests for comment.