Taylor Swift Dancer Apologizes After Sexual Assault Meme Sparks Outrage
Kim “Toshi” Davidson booted from pop star’s Reputation tour
Sean Burch | June 11, 2018 @ 9:24 AM
Last Updated: June 11, 2018 @ 9:28 AM
@ToshiAdventures on Instagram
Kim “Toshi” Davidson, a veteran member of Taylor Swift’s touring dance team, has apologized after posting memes that made light of sexism and sexual assault on Instagram.
“I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for the insensitivity of my social media posts,” Davidson said on his Instagram on Saturday. “While they are not a reflection of my views, they are offensive and in bad taste. I deeply regret my action, and I’m heartbroken that I hurt my fans and followers who have encouraged me and have always believed in me.”
The apology comes weeks after Davidson upset many fans for sharing the memes, including one that stylized the phrase “back to the kitchen” in the “Back to the Future” font. Davidson followed up with a chilling meme of “every girls [sic] weakness” that included pictures of a rag, a bottle of chloroform, a black van, and a secluded forest.
Davidson’s mea culpa comes after he had initially pushed back against his livid fans. “If you can’t take a joke, this isn’t the page for you,” said Davidson in a May Instagram Story captured by BuzzFeed.
The dancer has been performing with Swift since 2014, but was missing in action from her performance in Chicago on June 1. Davidson has also been wiped from the Reputation tour’s program, and his name doesn’t appear on the end credits of her live show.
7 Musicians Who Explored Virtual Reality, From Taylor Swift to 2 Chainz (Photos)
Futuristic technology isn't unique to film and tech companies; musicians use it, too! Many musicians have utilized virtual reality (VR) to create new immersive experiences for their fans, like Taylor Swift and 2 Chainz. Here are seven musicians who are exploring the exciting world of VR.
Getty Images
2 Chainz 2 Chainz created a VR experience called “Trap House” that mimics the real Atlanta trap house the rapper ran before his music career took off. The house has a bar, a sweet stereo system and a special strip club called “The Jiggly Room.”
Mac DeMarco This indie musician teamed up with Pitchfork and Inception (a VR media company) to release a VR music video for his song, "This Old Dog." It's only available through Inception, but you can view the 360 version on Pitchfork's YouTube channel.
Getty Images
Björk Last year, the Icelandic singer/DJ launched Björk Digital, "an exhibition of groundbreaking VR video works" featuring music from her album, "Vulnicura." The exhibit includes 360 video, surround sound and costumes in 3-D.
Megadeth Megadeth released five VR music videos for its 2016 album, "Dystopia." The album comes with foldable VR goggles that fans can use for viewing. Lead singer Dave Mustaine described the band's videos as "cool metal origami."
Getty Images
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre (Tupac hologram) This technically wasn't a hologram--rather a really convincing CGI--but it still counts. The late rapper Tupac's "performance" with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at Coachella 2012 was the talk of the festival.
Getty Images
The Who For their 50th anniversary, The Who created "The Who Immersive App." Described as a "virtual Whoseum full of the energy, outrageous musicality and rebelliousness of The Who," the app showcases various 3-D images based on famous landmarks.
Getty Images
Taylor Swift Why just watch a charming relationship turn toxic when you can feel like you're a part of it? Through an app called Amex UNSTAGED, fans can explore the rooms of the mansion in which Taylor Swift filmed her "Blank Space" music video.
Why just watch a music video when you can (virtually) be part of one?
Futuristic technology isn't unique to film and tech companies; musicians use it, too! Many musicians have utilized virtual reality (VR) to create new immersive experiences for their fans, like Taylor Swift and 2 Chainz. Here are seven musicians who are exploring the exciting world of VR.