Portland-based stoner-pop band Black Pussy found themselves coming under fire last week when a petition began circulating on social media calling for the band to change their name or face a boycott of all the venues that book the band.

Now it seems as if the activists have achieved some modicum of success: the band’s upcoming show in Raleigh, NC is going to be cancelled because of serious threats of violence and vandalism to the venue and its staff.

Black Pussy have issued a statement on the cancelation — and the controversy in general — exclusively to MetalSucks:

Black Pussy is fully supportive and respectful of every opinion in the growing conversation regarding their name, and welcomes fans of every race, gender, creed, sexual orientation and preference of intoxicant to join the party. With that said, it is with deep regret that we must announce that there have been serious threats of violence and vandalism against the promoter, the staff, and the venue of The Pour House in Raleigh, North Carolina, and out of respect for the venue and the safety of everyone involved, the March 25th show has been cancelled. We live in a country where it is absolutely imperative that every voice is heard and everyone is encouraged to not only speak their minds but also fully exercise their right to protest what they believe is wrong. However, it is VERY important to recognize the grave irony of a situation where those protesting nothing more than the contentious name of a band that has never stood for anything but positivity and love are the very same people threatening physical harm to others and their property. The band is taking this very seriously. Stay safe out there and make sure you’re spreading nothing but love. – Black Pussy.

As we said previously, we see both sides of this issue: on one hand we buy the band’s explanation that they named their band after the original title of the Rolling Stones song “Brown Sugar,” which is an anti-slavery song, but on the other hand, as we’ve talked about time and time again in this space in reference to our favorite punching bag Phil Labonte, words do matter and they can sting, even if they aren’t intended to.

What do you think?