Steven Hall, who performs as Nirosta Steel, has apologized after an X account posted screenshots showing his social media profile following what appeared to be AI-generated accounts featuring young Asian boys.
The Screenshots
On Monday, August 24, an account on X shared a post asking why Hall was “following suspicious ai shotacon accounts and random” young boys “on xiaohongshu.” Shotacon is an Anglicized Japanese term describing attraction to young boys. The post included two screenshots: one of Hall’s “Following” list on Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, and one of his “Notes” list. Several of the followed accounts used profile images of young Asian boys, some shown without covering, many appearing to be AI-generated.
Hall’s Account Disappears
Hall’s Xiaohongshu account has since been removed.
What Hall Says Happened
In a statement, Hall explained that his husband had told him people on Rednote were taking an interest in his music, so he visited the platform himself and followed a number of accounts without paying close attention to their content. He said a friend later sent him screenshots of the accounts he had followed, and that he had not realized some of them held content of concern, which is why he removed his profile.
Those accounts don’t reflect my interests in any way.
Hall also said he believes bias related to age and to whom a person loves plays a part in how people are discussing him online.
His Apology
Hall offered an apology to those who follow his work, saying he understands why some were bothered by the situation and that he intends to be more careful on social media going forward. He asked for patience, describing himself as someone from an earlier time who is still learning his way around the internet.
Upcoming Shows
Hall is booked to play four shows as Nirosta Steel at New York’s Nightclub 101 on September 10, 11, and 12. He is also scheduled to appear at this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival London. A pair of performances at Chicago’s Hideout was recently canceled and replaced with a single January date at Lincoln Hall.
Key Facts
- August 24: an account on X posts screenshots
- Nirosta Steel shows at Nightclub 101, New York: September 10, 11, 12
- Booked for Pitchfork Music Festival London this year
- Hideout, Chicago performances canceled; replaced with one January date at Lincoln Hall
- Hall’s Xiaohongshu (Rednote) account has been removed
Hall’s statement leaves open questions about which accounts he followed and why, but confirms he removed his profile after seeing the screenshots. His upcoming shows at Nightclub 101, Pitchfork Music Festival London, and Lincoln Hall remain scheduled as of this report.
Source: pitchfork.com
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