Spitfire Audio issue statement following backlash to tweet from co-founder

Spitfire Audio has issued a statement following the public backlash to a tweet from its co-founder, Christian Henson, voicing support for J.K. Rowling and Graham Linham. 

“As a parent, I can no longer keep my mouth shut about this. I’m in full support of glinner & J.K. Rowling… Please look into this,” Henson posted to social media in a now deleted tweet, referring to Rowling and Linham’s well-publicised views on gender, which have seen both labelled transphobic. “If you have young children it’s in the post if you have autistic children it’s probably already on your doormat.” 

The tweet also had a YouTube video attachment entitled “Stewart Lee should hand in his comedy card”. The clip shows Linham firing criticism at the British comedian in response to his new show, ‘Snowflake’, which hit BBC iPlayer this week and is heavily focused on right wing commentators, entertainers, and politics, as well as discussing identity and free speech. 

Spitfire Audio’s CEO, Will Evans, has since responded on Twitter, apologising to those who found Henson’s comments offensive.

A separate Facebook post on the company page reads:

“Spitfire Audio strives to promote inclusivity amongst our collaborators, staff and the wider community. We hope this is visible through our editorial content and the amazing people who make libraries with us. Christian’s Tweet has brought this into question.

“Spitfire Audio makes instruments for everyone — without exception — and alongside this we have worked to cultivate a community where everyone belongs, and no one is excluded. We feel it is important to reiterate that we stand resolutely and absolutely behind advocating for inclusivity and diversity in music — this extends to the LGBTQ+ community, and in the world in general.”