Depeche Mode have responded to white nationalist and “alt-right” leader Richard Spencer’s remark that “Depeche Mode is the official band of the alt-right.” A representative for the band tells Pitchfork, “That is a ridiculous statement. Depeche Mode has no ties to Richard Spencer or the alt-right and does not support the alt-right movement.” Spencer made the comment earlier today outside the Conservative Political Action Conference, as New York Magazine political correspondent Olivia Nuzzi reported.

Spencer later tweeted that the remark was “a joke,” adding, “of course DM isn't connected to me. Are you going to take every joke I crack literally?” He also said he is a “lifelong Depeche Mode fan.” Indeed, Spencer has expressed his love for the band multiple times in the past. At one point, he tweeted that they have “already written all the anthems the alt-right needs.”