Due to recent allegations of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior made by multiple women against Sean Redman of the Buttertones, Burger Records released a statement this past weekend regarding their “Zero Tolerance” business ethic (which has been deleted since this article was published). This statement followed a series of comments from survivors and fans calling for accountability that were deleted and ultimately disabled on Burger Records’ social media pages. 

Burger Records is based in Fullerton, CA, and self-described as a “100% family owned ‘n operated rock ‘n roll philanthropic quasi-religious borderline-cultish propaganda spreading group of suburban perma-teen mutants!” Following the disablement of comments on their socials, they announced the postponement of their Burger Boogaloo fest, which includes performances by Bikini Kill, Bleached, Alice Bag, Shannon Shaw, and more. The post was met with an onslaught of comments asking for accountability and transparency. 

In the wake of this silencing, the Instagram page Lured by Burger Records emerged on Sunday. Created anonymously, the page serves as a supportive space where those who have been preyed on by Burger Records affiliates can share their stories.

A majority of the accounts (dating back at least seven years) depict minors being groomed and led into Burger Records’ spaces, including tour vans and the backroom at their Fullerton record shop, where underaged folks were offered alcohol and drugs (amongst other predatory behaviors)—apparently with the owners often present in adjacent rooms. Much of the sexual misconduct and assaults were perpetrated by Burger Records affiliated bands, including the Growlers, Love Cop, the Buttertones, Audacity, and Gap Dream, Gnar Tapes, Warren Thomas of The Abigails, Cosmonauts—many of whom have since disabled their accounts, tag features, and other forms of audience engagement. The company itself is accused of curating a culture built on pedophilic tendencies and teenage fetishization. Audience members are asking for Burger Records to hold their bands and artists accountable by naming them and dropping them from their label and platforms. Additionally, folks are asking that Burger Records be held accountable themselves for turning a blind eye.

Caption: The insert of a cassette tape by Burger Records’ band Cosmonauts. 

If you have been harmed by Burger Records and/or their bands and would like to share your story, reach out to Lured by Burger Records to have your voice heard.