Frankie has been a divisive figure during his time on X-Factor. Photo: Beacon Radio (Flickr)
Students voice their anger over infamous Cocozza’s appearance at 53 Degrees event.
UCLan students, and members of the Students’ Union council have expressed their anger and concern on Facebook at the news of the former X Factor contestant appearing at Vodka Nationwide next week.
The infamous singer was kicked off the show this week, following allegations of cocaine use. The official reason for his depature was for “breaking competition rules,” but rumours have been rife as to his ‘rock and roll’ lifestyle.
Student councillor, Lee Bradshaw posted on Facebook: “Surely the union should not be inviting someone who was kicked of a talent show for taking cocaine :-/…surely the promoters should know better.”[sic]
Jason Smith posted: “frankie cokenozza @53degrees next week! not sure what this says about tefkap, lets just hope he doesn’t sing.” [sic]*
Reports today allege that Cocozza charges £3,000 for nightclub appearances.
Reni Eddo-Lodge, Students’ Union President said that the Union’s reputation is the most important. She said: ”Vodka Nationwide is put on by an external company called Taking Liberties.
“The Students’ Union has not invited him, nor have the events team…I urge Vodka Nationwide to rethink this booking.”
The full interview with Reni can be heard below.
Students on the 53 Degrees Facebook page were quick to express their anger.
“Personally, I think it is immoral and disgusting that Vodka Nationwide should be allowed to use SU premises for their events if they are paying a known drug user to appear and perform. Shame on UCLan SU and 53 Degrees,” said one.
Louisa Jane: “ Haha, is this a joke?”
Andi Berry said: “Is that what UCLan think that we really want??”
Jonathan Duncan added: “Why is that c*nt in Preston?”
The full Facebook thread can be seen here.
On the other hand, some students on the Facebook page were not angry at the prospect of his appearance.
Katie Walker said: “If you don’t like him, don’t go, stop b*tching about it jeeeez 
.”
Natallie Green added: “im major exception here but i absolutely love him hahaha :/” [sic].
On the Facebook event page, 53 Degrees replied: “love him or loath him, it’s got people talking!”[sic] it’s an external company, so it’s their ticket sales, let the battle commence!!”
What do you think? Here is a snapshot of what you were saying around campus this afternoon.
* All posts from social networking sites are assumed to be from a personal capacity.
Statement from 53 Degrees
The legal relationship between UCLan SU & Taking Liberties is one of venue operator and promoter. Taking Liberties as promoter pay Uclan SU for the hire of facilities (53DEGREES) for their weekly Vodka Nationwide event and work within a contractual agreement.
The promoter is contracted to work within all civil and criminal laws relating to the provision of entertainment and within relevant all legal guidelines with regards to Health & Safety.
What do you think? Do you agree with Frankie Cocozza coming to 53 Degrees? Let us know below, or vote in our Facebook poll: http://on.fb.me/uFJKXr
November 11th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Hannah, good story and very quick off the mark. however anything I post on facebook is in a personal capacity and does not reflect the opinions or policy of the Students’ Union! and i would appreciate it if you were to remove the tag of council chair from my comments please.
November 11th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
disgusting that 53 degrees (ok, the promotion company, but 53 are still allowing it to happen) think it is ok to have someone who has been kicked off a talent show for drugs! what kind of image do u think you are promoting?!?! 53 degrees has seriously gone down in my estimations!!! I don’t care if you say that you just shouldnt go if you don’t like it, but that is not the point! it may be a pointless tv show, but it is still all over the news about his drug habbit!!!! and that is why he got kicked out! appalling behaviour to be honest. will defo think twice before setting foot in 53 degrees again!
November 11th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Apologies. I have just removed that. We did put a disclaimer at the bottom saying that all comments were made in a personal capacity.
November 11th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Great article, and listening to Reni and the students in the last sound clip its clear that there is an issue with him appearing and by the reaction on facebook. As the company behind vodka nation do events accross the north it would be interesting if he is appearing at any of these and what the reaction has been
November 11th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
I’m happy that he’ll be at 53! (:
November 11th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I think most people are just finding a reason to hate him (drugs) because they just generally find him irritating and need a reason. I, for one, hate him because he’s an arrogant dickhead. I hope he doesn’t come to 53.
November 11th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
His appearance would be unwise as it sends out the wrong messages in that it would essentially sanction his reputation and behaviour of which are at best indiscreet, and at worst dishonourable.
Moreover his appearance would not only taint 53 degrees by association, but also The university itself and the student body.
Bad Show.