Stormzy Calls NME "Proper Dickheads" For Using Him For Their Depression Cover Story

Grime artist Stormzy, took to Twitter earlier today to call out NME magazine for using his image on the cover of their latest issue on depression in the music industry. The cover features a photograph of the artist along with a headline that reads: "Depression: It's Time to Talk."

The British-Ghanian MC, who recently opened up about his battle with depression, explained that he felt as though his personal struggle had been exploited by the magazine's use of his image. He criticized them for using his picture without permission. "You lot are a bunch of real life fucking pussyholes. Proper dickheads," said Stormzy.

"It is a subject that isn't the easiest thing to speak about. And I've been careful in how I've dealt with it in the media," he tweeted. "After I spoke on it I realised how widespread the issue is, which made me think 'ok kool maybe that was the right thing to do at first,' however using my face as a poster boy for it to sell your magazine is so foul and below the belt. I will never respect you lot, I should at least have a say in whether my face is used for a campaign. I've no issue with sharing my story but, with my permission!"

You lot know I don't rant or open my mouth up for no reason but serious @NME magazine are the biggest bunch of sly, foul PAIGONS.

— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) March 16, 2017

I KNOW it will help others but just imagine a personal battle of yours being published on the front of a magazine without your permission

— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) March 16, 2017

Mike Williams, editor-in-chief of NME magazine responded to Stormzy's comments via the publication's Twitter page.“I’m sorry that you didn’t know your image would be our cover. Our intentions were only positive,” he wrote. “We used your image as we felt it would resonate most with our readers, and I can only apologise again that you didn’t know," Williams pointed out that NME is a free magazine and claimed that their goal was to "talk about something important," rather than to sell copies.

"You're NOT a non-profit organisation. The more copies you dish out the more you charge for advertising. You will make money from this," said Stromzy in response.

And for those saying @NME done this with no bad intent, they know exactly what they're doing. They couldn't get me on the cover so done this

— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) March 16, 2017

Following the release of his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer, Stormzy sat down for an interview with the UK's Channel 4 News, in which he spoke about decision to open up about his depression on the album. "I had another complex of where I thought: okay, I went through this, but I don't even know if I want the world to know that I went through this," he said. He ultimately decided to share his story so that his fans who face similar challenges wouldn't feel alone. "If there's anyone out there going through it...for them to see that I went through it would help."