San Japan leader calls himself an ‘idiot’ after tweeting why he doesn’t book the ‘POC industry’

Photo: Daniel Carde, Special Contributor

San Japan organizer Dave Henkin is apologizing and calling himself an “idiot” after controversial tweets he made from his private account on Thursday surfaced.

Responding to criticism over the lack of diversity among panelists and talent for the local annual anime event, Henkin tweeted, “We get tagged and constantly requested to book sexual predators and popular asshole divas. That’s what people want to throw their money. Show up by the hundreds with cash to see (people of color) then I’ll book them.”

In a follow up tweet, Henkin directed fans to a convention in Waco that, “specifically focuses on POC fandom industry.”

Henkin’s tweet comes during a time of heightened racial tensions after the death of George Floyd, who died last week while in Minneapolis police custody.

Although protected from public view, screenshots of the tweet began circulating online.

“This is a vivid example of soft racism,” one person tweeted in response. “You can live a non-racist life, but still serve a racist agenda by bending to it. You can claim it’s the only way to be successful in your environment. But what kind of success is it when you compromise away your soul?”

Henkin took ownership of the private posts in a public statement hours later.

“I am an idiot. I was trying to express frustration with the difficulty of marketing POC guests to large sections of the fandom that request the same milquetoast celebrities that are already at every other show,” the post reads. “I realize I speak from a position of privilege as a white man and vow to be a better ally in the future. I’m sorry.”

Some asked Henkin to be an ally of the black community and to donate to organizations like Black Lives Matter.

“It will be put into major consideration when circle back in fielding this,” Henkin replied.

Henkin apologized again when reached by email, saying “I am trying to be better” and is working to include more diversity. As of Friday, black panelists have not been included for the event.

“My comments were expressing exasperation over the lack of demand for POC guests while the same (non-POC) guests get requested. I poorly phrased my frustrations and I take ownership of that,” Henkin said. “I am already in conversations with booking agents to expand the diversity of guests at the convention and listening to feedback to understand how I can better serve our fandom community. The convention will be making an official announcement this weekend about further actions.”

San Japan is touted at San Antonio’s largest anime convention and has attracted up to 20,000 attendees to attend panels, workshops, concerts and other activities. The 13th annual event is scheduled to take place Sept. 4-6.

This is the owner of San Japan, a popular Texas con. This is what they are saying privately in response to why they don’t invite POC guests to San Japan. This thinking is extremely flawed and should be reconsidered. pic.twitter.com/cviC2KSUNf

— Megan Shipman (@18moptop) June 4, 2020