Life of Agony’s Mini Caputo and ex-Drummer Sal Abruscato Spar on Twitter Over Transgender-Related Bigotry

Tensions are high in the transgender community lately with the Trump administration taking steps to define trans folks out of existence. That news spilled over into the metal community yesterday when former Absu guitarist Melissa Moore (stage name: Vis Crom) came out as a transgender woman and revealed that the dissolution of Absu (news to all of us on its own) was due in part to transphobia from her former bandmates.

Life of Agony’s Mina Caputo has been dealing with transphobia for quite some time, having come out as transgender in 2011. There seems to be some unsettled negativity between Mina and former LoA drummer Sal Abruscato, who was replaced earlier this year, and the two got into a bit on Twitter and Facebook earlier today, although the posts have since been removed.

According to the The PRP, a fan asked Mina on Twitter about the truth of a rumor that she’d voted for Trump, allegedly perpetuated by Sal:

“Poor Sal was kicked out of Type O Neg kicked out of LifeOfAgony 2X, is a bigot, homophobe-Transphobic Supprtd TransBan in Military He’s a gas-lighter amngst his (wht was his mst loving friends)He’s Envious Spiteful combative & hates his own pathetic life Contemplate that genius!”

Absrucato took to Facebook to respond:

“Look at what this piece of shit tweeted about me on Oct 25. I haven’t said a word in 10 months, just been busy with my album and you suddenly need to talk smack about me. #fuckyoumina#janisjoplinsuglytwinsister”

I’d almost be inclined to give Abruscato the benefit of the doubt — why talk trash publicly at this point? — if not for that absolutely horrible hashtag at the end of his post. Those are the words of a bitter, angry, transphobic man. I said “almost,” anyway; I’m absolutely inclined to believe Mina at her word about Sal’s views here anyway.

We support you, Mina. Stay strong and courageous, and keep doing what you do.