Justin Sane of ANTI-FLAG Breaks Silence on Sexual Assault Claims
Pittsburgh punk rock legends ANTI-FLAG announced almost a week ago that the band would be disbanding due to sexual assault allegations by lead singer/frontman Justin Sane in the Kristina Sarhadi Podcast which you can listen to here.
In a post on the band's Patreon, the band went on to say: "Anti-Flag has disbanded. The Patreon has been switched into a mode where it will no longer charge the monthly fee. I will begin to process refunds to all Patrons in the coming weeks. Once all refunds are processed the Patreon page will also be removed."
Along with the announcement on Patreon, the band also deactivated all of their social media pages including their official website as well as canceled any upcoming tour dates.
Today Justin Sane and the rest of the band has made a statement. Justin went on to say: "Recently, there have been claims of sexual assault made against me and I can tell you that these stories are categorically false. I have never engaged in a sexual relationship that was not consensual, nor have I ever been approached by a woman after a sexual encounter and been told I had in any way acted without her consent or violated her in any way. Now that I have had a few days to absorb the initial shock, I am making this statement to set the record straight.
Sexual assault is real and has a devasting impact on victims. I have devoted my entire adult life to standing up for these victims as well as those suffering oppression and inequality, who are victimized, demeaned, and abused. I have always been, and will always be, that person. The statements being told about me are the antithesis of what I believe and how I have conducted myself throughout my life.
In regard to Anti-flag disbanding, as a band, the decision was made that under these circumstances it would be impossible to continue.
I want to thank my family and friends, and the many, many fans, musicians, and bands who have reached out to me to offer their support and help."
While the rest of the band a separate statement regarding Ant-Flag, saying: "A core tenet of the band Anti-Flag is to listen to and believe all survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The recent allegations about Justin are in direct contradiction to that tenet. Therefore, we felt the only immediate option was to disband.
We have been shocked, confused, saddened and absolutely heartbroken from the moment we heard these allegations. While we believe this is extremely serious, in the last 30 years we have never seen Justin be violent or aggressive toward women. This experience has shaken us to our core.
We understand and apologize that this response may not have been quick enough for some people. This is new territory for all of us and it is taking time for us to process the situation.
it was a privilege for us to be in the band Anti-Flag, as we seek to find our path forward we wish healing to all survivors."
This story is ongoing...
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