Aitch had some strong words for those who fat shamed the women used in the music video for his new single, ‘Learning Curve.’

Following its release at the end of last month, the music video quickly became a talking point for a scene where Aitch can be seen laying on a bed with six curvy women in their underwear.

While many applauded the Mancunian rapper for using plus-size models, there were sadly a barrage of hateful comments regarding the size of the women used.

@aitch / Instagram

The rapper, from New Moston, slammed the people who made hurtful comments about the plus-sized women in his video, admitting that they were ‘hard to witness.’

Discussing why he chose plus-size models on Spotify’s Who We Be TALKS podcast, he said: “That’s my vibe, if you listen to a couple of my songs and previous lines, certain bars, I reference it, and I know other people do like fuller figures.

“I think it’s a thing where people don’t want to admit it, and I’ve seen a few things where girls have said, ‘Oh guys just want to do one night with us and never date us’.”

He then weighed in on the backlash, saying: “All the negative stuff was mad to see; obviously, rappers get hate all the time, but it was a lot, and it was also sh*t to see men hating on girls that much, it’s hard to witness.

@aitch / Instagram

“If you’re going to comment and say that this tune is sh*t, then that’s fine, say no more, you can do, but why are you going to comment about a girl.”

Aitch went on to say that those hating on the models were actually ‘hiding’ from the fact that they like plus size girls.

He added: “However, I also found out after I posted that picture how many men behind-the-scenes low-key like plus-size girls, and how many were hiding from it.”

If you’ve experienced bullying and want to seek help or speak to someone in confidence, you can find your nearest service on the Manchester City Council website. 

Ian Brown has confirmed he’s stepping down from headlining a festival later this year, saying he ‘refuses to accept vaccination proof as condition of entry’.

The Stone Roses frontman was meant to be headlining this year’s Neighbourhood Weekender festival, a three day event over in Warrington.

The festival announced yesterday, Wednesday March 3rd, that it had been rescheduled, and is now taking place at Victoria Park on the weekend of September 3rd-5th.

It said: “Following the recent government announcement we are moving Neighbourhood Weekender to Friday 3, Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 September 2021.”

Brown was originally meant to be headlining on Saturday, but has now been replaced by James, with the singer sharing the news on his Twitter.

He wrote: “My Saturday night headline show at NHBD Weekender Festival will now not happen! I refuse to accept vaccination proof as condition of entry. Refunds are available!”

Just last week, on February 26th, Brown took to Twitter to say that he would ‘never sing to a crowd who must be vaccinated as a condition of attendance.’

NBHD Weekender also confirmed that Brown would no longer be performing, before telling fans that a decision regarding vaccination passports had not been made yet.

The event added that it would comply with any safety restrictions that are announced by the government.

It said: “We want to assure ticket holders and those about to buy tickets for NBHD Weekender, like all festivals this summer, we will comply with the conditions outlined by the Government through the Local Authority.

“No decisions will be taken by Government until June 21 at the earliest. We are working with other festival organisers and look forward to a safe return to open-air events this summer.”

A massive line up of stars are set to help fight food poverty with a two-day virtual music event.

Music Feeds organised by ethical retailer Co-op and the promoter working to do good in the entertainment industry, Everybody Belongs Here has signed up top musicians to perform at the exclusive two-day virtual festival. 

The line-up includes the likes of Liam Gallagher, Beverley Knight, James and Amy Macdonald join Sam Smith, Blossoms, Newton Faulkner plus plenty more. 

It comes after Co-op announces they are set to donate £1m to Music Feeds which will go to FareShare’s fight against food poverty in providing around 2.5 million meals as well as two music industry causes, Help Musicians and Stagehand who care for musicians and live production workers during times of crisis.

All net profits from the virtual festival’s ticket sales will be split amongst the three charities too! 

Co-op were one of the first signatories to Marcus Rashford’s new Food Insecurity Taskforce, first joining forces back in summer 2020 where the footballer starred in the TV advert helping to raise funds for Fare Share.

Jo Whitfield, CEO, Co-op Food, said: “Hunger knows no borders, and neither should our response. All year round, Co-op works to tackle food hunger and we’re thrilled to be uniting with outstanding musicians from across the world to turn up the volume on the issue.

“The pandemic has brought a sharper focus on issues such as food poverty and many in the music industry have seen their livelihoods disappear overnight because of lockdown restrictions. It’s right that we should lend our support and co-operate with musicians to raise awareness and raise funds for such vital causes.”

Co-op have long been involved within the music industry with plans to create the UK’s biggest and most exciting arena in Manchester, Co-op Live. They also built dance halls for the masses over 100 years ago and even provided a venue for The Beatles in 1962. 

Jo Whitfield added: “Co-op is a growing part of the music scene and music lovers can enjoy great acts at Music Feeds in the knowledge they are acting towards creating lasting change on big issues, including fairer access to food.”

Music industry veteran and the creative powerhouse behind Music Feeds, Saul Davies said: “At Music Feeds you’ll get never-seen performances from leading artists, uncover new bands, and get up-close and personal with interviews.

“The festival will be broadcast to your Smart TV and devices over two nights, and festival goers can even join the sofa mosh-pit via the simultaneous Twitter listening party. Additional artists who have been unable to perform have donated unique items for the companions Music Feed charity auction.”

Davies added: “With a single £15 ticket giving access to both nights, the festival is priced to allow as many people as possible to support the causes.

“There is also the option for festival-goers to donate more. We are grateful to our ticketing partner DICE, who have significantly reduced their charges to only recover their costs. So, if you want to take positive action to end hunger, buy a ticket for yourself, buy one for a friend or donate one to charity, but please help by buying a ticket at MusicFeeds.org.”

Music Feeds presented by Co-op and Everybody Belongs Here will take place on the evenings of January 28th and 29th 2021.

Buy tickets here.