Tyler, The Creator Denies Starting A Riot At SXSW

Tyler, The Creator's manager has denied allegation that the rapper 'started a riot' at a SXSW show that saw Tyler arrested earlier this week.

The controversial MC was arrested at an airport after an incident at a party for show company Converse and skateboard magazine Thrasher.

“The subject encouraged a large crowd on more than one occasion to force themselves past venue employees controlling access at the venue which was already at full capacity," read a police statement.

Tyler's manager Christian Clancy has now issued a statement of his own on his blog The Phuckery, saying that it was a “punk rock moment” and that no one was injured.

“Everyone was happy after the show. Zero bad energy backstage. As his manager no one came up to me regarding the 'incident'.”

Clancy adds, “I understand how easy it is to paint Tyler as a bad guy. I honestly do. But as someone who has spent a whole lot of time around him I can only say dig deeper.

“Ask his fans. Ask his friends. Ask my daughter. This is a guy who has never had a drink or drug in his life. This is a guy who is building his own businesses and challenging the old ones.”

He also expressed disappointment that people were combining the alleged 'riot' with the SXSW car crash, which claimed the lives of three people.

“Those who are combining this with a incredibly serious tragedy that happened the night prior are off base and our hearts go out to those who were injured and their families.

“Tyler was not at the venue and received the info of what happened like everyone did. In shock. We all quietly had our own individual way of dealing with the heaviness of it all. That's not something you process quickly.”

Read the full statement below:

tyler had a punk rock moment at the converse/thrasher show at sxsw. however the energy and intent of that show was not anger or aggression.. kumbaya? of course not.  but this simply isn't as its being portrayed. no one was hurt. u likely don't believe me (i get it..) find the whole show on you tube.. just seeing an edited 7 seconds of kids running/walking in doesn't exactly sum it up. his shows are much more of a positive release than a build up of aggression.. (not unlike how rage against the machine or metallica shows were therapy for me when i was growing up..) everyone was happy after the show. zero bad energy backstage. as his manager no one came up to me regarding the “incident.” 

i understand how easy it is to paint tyler as a bad guy.. i honestly do.. but as someone who has spent a whole lot of time around him i can only say dig deeper. ask his fans. ask his friends. ask my daughter. this is a guy who has never had a drink or drug in his life. this is a guy who is building his own businesses and challenging the old ones. offensive? maybe, depending on where you are standing but only on the surface. google can give u plenty of things to be offended by but if u dig it disappears. shit you might even be inspired.  if nothing else ud at least have another perspective even if u disagree with his approach.. im not here to defend every move tyler makes, but i will stand by him and defend his character because i know him, the context, and have witnessed the growth. 

those who are combining this with a incredibly serious tragedy that happened the night prior are off base and our hearts go out to those who were injured and their families. tyler was not at the venue and received the info of what happened like everyone did.. in shock.. we all quietly had our own individual way of dealing with the heaviness of it all. thats not something you process quickly.