Anti-Flag have launched an announcement relating to the political punk band’s sudden break up with none type of clarification.
Final week (July 20), the band break up up and deleted all of their official social media accounts and web site. The information got here all of the sudden and unexpectedly. There was no clarification or cause behind the choice to disband.
They took to Patreon to share the announcement of their breakup. The assertion learn: “Anti-Flag has disbanded. The Patreon has been switched into a mode where it will no longer charge the monthly fee.”
At the moment (July 26), each the band – comprised of Pat Thetic, Chris “#2” Barker and Chris Head – and frontman Justin Sane, aka Justin Geever, have launched two statements relating to the choice to disband.
Brooklyn Vegan has reported that allegations of sexual assault had been made towards an unnamed singer that many believed to be Anti-Flag’s frontman. Geever has denied the allegations towards him calling them “categorically false” and says that Anti-Flag broke up as a result of “under these circumstances it would be impossible to continue.”
His assertion learn: “Not too long ago, there have been claims of sexual assault made towards me and I can let you know that these tales are categorically false. I’ve by no means engaged in a sexual relationship that was not consensual, nor have I ever been approached by a lady after a sexual encounter and been advised I had in any method acted with out her consent or violated her in any method. Now that I’ve had a number of days to soak up the preliminary shock, I’m making this assertion to set the report 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.”
He continued: “In regard to Anti-flag disbanding, as a band, the decision was made that under these circumstances it would be impossible to continue,” including “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.”
Anti-Flag performs stay at The Knitting Manufacturing facility on March 26, 2008 in New York Metropolis. Credit score: Joe Kohen/GETTY
Thetic, Barker and Head launched a separate assertion relating to the break up and allegations that learn: “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.”
They continued: “We’ve been shocked, confused, saddened and completely heartbroken from the second we heard these allegations. Whereas we consider that is extraordinarily critical, within the final 30 years we’ve by no means seen Justin be violent or aggressive towards girls. This expertise 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,” they stated, including “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.”
In different information, Anti-Flag’s most up-to-date album was 2023’s ‘Lies They Tell Our Children’. The LP reached Quantity Six on the German Album Charts. Germany was additionally the situation of the band’s ultimate present on June 24.
They had been set to embark on a North American tour later this yr however that has since been cancelled.
For assist, recommendation or extra data relating to sexual harassment, assault and rape within the UK, go to the Rape Disaster charity web site. Within the US, go to RAINN
