‘It’s pedophilia plain and simple’: New York-based musician known as ‘The Dare’ faces backlash for using children in disturbing cover of new album ‘The Sex’ which contains lyrics about girls, sex and drugs
- Harrison Patrick Smith, 27, released his debut EP, The Sex, on May 12 with a provocative cover featuring what appeared to be 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 label Republic Records in April
- Critics have accused Smith, who until December was a substitute teacher at a private school in Manhattan’s West Village, of promoting pedophilia
A New York-based ‘indie sleaze’ musician has been accused of glorifying pedophilia with a provocative album cover showing models who appeared to be children in sexual poses.
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 label Republic Records – a division of Universal Music Group.
Smith’s debut EP, The Sex, was released on May 12 and its cover features two young girls, who appear to be children.
Both are dressed in girl’s clothes: one, in what looks like a school sports kit, is bent over by a man, while the other in a school-style gray pleated skirt straddles a man lying on his back .
Harrison Patrick Smith, 27, who records as The Dare, released his debut album this month, and the cover immediately sparked anger
Smith was until December teaching in Manhattan: in April, he signed with the label of Taylor Swift and Drake, Republic Records
The label embraced the controversy, tweeting: “Have a good time with @itsthedare’s ‘the sex ep’ – we dare you.”
They accompanied the tweet with the album cover and a winking emoji.
“This is pedophilia plain and simple,” wrote one commenter.
‘Disgusting. I hope all the adults involved are shamed and held accountable,” another said.
One commented, “I’m sure they look like children, but the inference is disgusting and I’m sure they’re designed to gain publicity via notoriety.”
Another said: ‘It’s not going to happen the way you think. Why are you promoting the sexual exploitation of young girls?
“It is not acceptable, child abuse is not angry. Pedophilia is not acceptable.
On the Instagram post, a child psychotherapist said the image was deeply disturbing.
“This represents pedophilia, I repeat it is a pedophile image,” she said.
‘It’s appalling. “When someone tells you who they are, believe them.” You told us who you are.
“I am a child psychotherapist, well trained in child protection. This must be removed.
Another commented: ‘This image is child abuse not art!’ I don’t understand how it got approved.
“It’s pedophilia hidden in plain sight.
“I’m also concerned about the agents/parents of the girls, are they happy with this image as well.” Disgusting and dismayed.
The photo was taken by Leander Capuozzo, a Staten Island-born photographer and artist.
“Sex ep art by me,” he tweeted – and was met with a barrage of condemnation.
Smith was recently hailed as a new prodigy, with W Magazine calling him on May 17 a “New York star” whose “career has already eclipsed that of many of his ancestors”, and GQ magazine calling him a “downtown celebrity and rising rock star.”
He DJs at club nights in lower Manhattan and played an after-party after Celine’s fashion launch: In January, he was front row at a Gucci show in Milan, seated next to Nick Cave.
Neither Capuozzo, Smith nor Republic Records responded to DailyMail.com’s requests for comment.
