Marshmello released “Light It Up” with Chris Brown & Tyga on April 25 and was immediately struck with criticism from across the musical landscape. Not least all was the condemnation from band CHVRCHES, with whom Marshmello had just collaborated on their song “Here With Me.”
“We like and respect Mello as a person but working with people who are predators and abusers enables, excuses and ultimately tacitly endorses that behavior,” the band wrote. “That is not something we can or will stand behind.”
Brown responded, saying he wished they’d walk in front a speeding bus.
Yet, throughout all the rigmarole, Marshmello stayed silent (true to his character). He finally broke his silence, though rather stealthily, when Justin Bieber posted on Instagram this past weekend with an image likening Brown to the combination Michael Jackson and 2Pac.
It was a simple response from Marshmello, a comment on the image, just four “100” emojis. But it’s more than enough to show where he stands on the issue at hand. TJ Smith, a popular singer/songwriter, YouTuber, and Twitch stream replied, “This ain’t it, dude. Whoever’s running your social media, this post ain’t the one to be posting support for. You preach love. Nearly killing someone ain’t love.”
His comment currently has more than double the support that Marshmello’s original comment does.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely that Marshmello ever will make any sort ficial statement regarding the controversy. But silence speaks volumes, as well.