“Absolutely terrible! Racist af, rude staff, terrible,” reads the top review on Facebook as on Friday morning. The backlash triggered an onslaught of negative reviews on multiple social media platforms. We sincerely apologize to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and across Chicago for the hurt this message caused.” We seek to be a trusted member of the LGBTQ+ community and in the City of Chicago as a welcoming place for every person no matter their race, creed or sexual orientation. “The content was unwelcoming and hurtful, and in retrospect, it should have never been written or sent. “The email issued did not reflect the values of Progress Bar,” Romme wrote.
Owner Justin Romme issued an open letter to patrons, neighbors, and the wide LGBTQ community apologizing for the move. “This is not a suggestion!! If you play RAP you will not be asked back,” read an email sent by the club and leaked to Block Club Chicago.Ĭlub-goers labeled the move as racist, and Progress Bar initially released a statement Wednesday stating they would still be “changing their sound.”Ī day later, management ended up changing its tune. Progress Bar faced immediate pushback after announcing DJs would be prohibited from playing rap music. A Chicago gay bar facing backlash over a rap ban has apologized and promised to continue playing a diversity of music.