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Deadmau5 apologizes for ‘homophobic,’ ‘transphobic’ comments

The DJ also made insensitive remarks about autism

Published

8 years ago

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Deadmau5 (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Deadmau5 (real name Joel Zimmerman) has issued an apology after he was accused of making “homophobic” and “transphobic” comments during an online argument about his mouse helmet.

The comments began when a user made a jab about the Canadian DJ’s neck getting sweaty in the helmet.

“There’s a fan in it. let’s be honest here, there are far worse fates, and if im a betting man, i’ll bet you suck a guy off for 40 grand ZERO fucking questions asked. So don’t talk to me about mouse heads,” Zimmerman responded in a since-deleted tweet.

A user saw the exchanged and commented: “Hey maybe don’t say homophobic shit like ‘I bet you suck a guy off’ as if that’s something to be ashamed of or ridiculed for? Not a good look for a high profile musical artist.”

Zimmerman replies, “fine. How many biological women have you sucked off? there i fixed it.”

When the user questioned how that made his tweet any better Zimmerman responds, “it just illustrates the obvious fucking point here. women don’t posses penises. you’ll find out when you’re older.”

Zimmerman soon apologized for the comments and deleted the tweets.

“i wasnt trying to make blatant transphobic statements, just got into a heated arguement with some dude online said something dumb and the internet took it way into somewhere unintended. I’ve since deleted the tweets, im not that kind of person. my apologies,” Zimmerman wrote.

Zimmerman was also called out for making insensitive remarks about autism. In a gaming video making the rounds online, Zimmerman is heard calling Slushii’s music “AIDS music” and “autistic”

Slushii posted the video on Twitter and revealed that he has been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.

Zimmerman issued another apology explaining that he will be seeking professional help for “his own mental health challenges.”

“This has been a very difficult period and I sincerely apologize for my comments which were completely offensive and I take full responsibility,” Zimmerman writes. “My desire to start a label was to uplift my community and give opportunities to the next generation, and I have fallen very short of that goal.”

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Photos

PHOTOS: Emerald City Pride

Colorful march followed by festival in Greenbelt, Md.

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19 minutes ago

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July 13, 2026

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Band members of Greenbelt Honk Situation lead the Emerald City Pride Parade in Greenbelt, Md. on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The fifth annual Emerald City Pride was held in Greenbelt, Md. on Saturday, July 11.

(Washignton Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Out & About

Gay librarian to discuss new novel at Green Lantern

Gareth Carter to speak at ‘Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy’ fundraiser

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3 days ago

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July 10, 2026

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Gareth Carter will discuss his new book, ‘The Misadventures of Don Kee Dong & Phillip Miho.’ (Book cover image courtesy of Amazon)

Librarian, novelist, and advocate for intellectual freedom Gareth Carter will talk about his debut novel, “The Misadventures of Don Kee Dong & Phillip Mihol,” on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. at Green Lantern Bar.

The event, titled “Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy” is a fundraiser for the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center Library and will celebrate queer storytelling, libraries, and Carter’s new novel. 

The event will combine humor, conversation, and community. In addition to being on hand to sell and sign books, Carter will share his own journey from librarian to novelist, discuss the state of public libraries in an era of book banning, and his own challenges with one group, which served as the genesis for this novel, the first in his International Men of Mystery series.

For more details, visit Carter’s website. 

The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.

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Calendar

Calendar: July 10-16

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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3 days ago

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July 10, 2026

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Friday, July 10

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 6 p.m. at Freddie’s. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.  

Saturday, July 11

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

“Reel Affirmations XTRA: Washington DC’s International LGBTQ+ Monthly Film Series” will present “Bookends” at 11:30 a.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. “Bookends” is a touching love story, free popcorn, soft drinks, and conversation with your community. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Sunday, July 12

“Duet: A Curated Sapphic Karaoke Dating Experience” will be at 5 p.m. at Muzette. This event is designed for single queer women and sapphics ages 35+ who are looking to meet potential romantic partners in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. For more details, visit Eventbrite. 

Monday, July 13

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook. 

Tuesday, July 14

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook. 

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Wednesday, July 15

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, July 16

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

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