Ed Sheeran's label head Ben Cook has resigned. Seven years ago, he wore an "offensive" Run-DMC costume to a party.

Atlantic Records UK head Ben Cook has stepped down following an investigation into his participation in the party seven years ago. It is reported by The Guardian.

Cook called it a "terrible mistake" to show up to a birthday party dressed as one of the members of the American rap group Run-DMC.

Ben Cook revealed that he dressed up as a member of Run-DMC to "pay tribute to a musical hero", but admitted that his appearance was "disgusting". Cook apologized to everyone offended by his costume. An internal investigation into this case began in 2018 after rumors surfaced that Cooke appeared at the party in this form.

Ben Cook is one of the most influential figures in British music. He took over Atlantic Records in the UK in 2014. Cook signed his first recording deal with musician Ed Sheeran, and in 2018 attracted British rapper Stormzy to the label.

• In September 2019, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was accused of racism after the media published several archival photographs and recordings of a young Trudeau posing in makeup, portraying black people. The Canadian prime minister has repeatedly apologized for what happened.