Frank Ocean's 'Channel Orange' CD Not in Target Stores; Singer's Bisexuality Not at Play
Frank Ocean, up-and-coming singer and songwriter who recently admitted to being bisexual and released his debut album "Channel Orange" a week early, will not see his CD in Target stores since the store refused to carry the album. Despite rumors, the retailer's decision has nothing to do with Ocean's sexuality.
The announcement about the retail chain failing to stock Ocean's debut disc came from his manager, Chris Clancy, who spoke about his frustration with the matter on Twitter. Although Clancy explained that Target said they would not stock the CD on shelves due to the fact that it was released one week early on iTunes, the manager suggested that the retailer may have other motives.
"Target has refused to carry Franks album because of iTunes exclusive," Clancy Tweeted. "Interesting since they also donate to non equal rights organizations."
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Although Clancy never referenced Ocean's sexuality directly, a number of people debated the matter on Twitter.
One person questioned if Ocean's sexuality had anything to do with Target's refusal to sell physical copies of the record.
"Is Target not selling Frank Ocean's album because of his sexuality," one person questioned.
However, another thought Ocean's admitting he was bisexual had nothing to do with Target's decision.
"Not sexuality related," the person tweeted. "My opinion."
When asked Wednesday by The Christian Post to verify claims that Ocean's CD was not stocked in stores, Target explained how it deals with new releases.
"At Target we focus on offering our guests a wide assortment of physical CDs, so our selection of new releases is dedicated to physical CDs rather than titles that are released digitally in advance of the street date," Erica Julkowski, Manager of Communications for Target shared in an email.
The Twitter debate concerning Ocean's bisexuality and music began last week, after the singer took to his Tumblr account to "come out" to his fans.
"(Four) summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too," the singer revealed in a handwritten letter posted on his Tumblr. "We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. There was no negotiating the feeling."
Despite the fact that Target did not stock Ocean's album during its premiere week that coincided with the singer's announcement, his manager announced that "Channel Orange" had reached number one on iTunes.
"Get off a plane and Channel Orange is number one on iTunes and trending in seven of 10 on Twitter," Clancy tweeted on its debut Tuesday. "Wow..Grateful. Proud."
