Brand New cancel UK tour dates amid allegations of sexual misconduct

Frontman Jesse Lacey has issued a statement on the allegations

Jack Shepherd
Monday 13 November 2017 15:49 GMT
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Brand New frontman Jesse Lacey in 2016
Brand New frontman Jesse Lacey in 2016

Following allegations of sexual misconduct made against frontman Jesse Lacey, Brand New have cancelled their upcoming UK tour.

The band — best known for their songs “Jesus Christ” and "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows” — were expected to play Brixton O2 Academy, London, followed by Dublin’s Olympic Theatre and the O2 Academy in Glasgow.

In a since-removed public Facebook post, a woman claimed Lacey “solicited nudes from [her] starting when [she] was 15 and he was 24.” She claimed the singer “manipulated the hell out of me” and was forced to “watch him masturbate on Skype.”

Lacey issued a statement soon after, writing on Brand New’s social media accounts: “The actions of my past have caused pain and harm to a number of people, and I want to say that I am absolutely sorry. I do not stand in defence of myself nor do I forgive myself.”

Without addressing the specific allegations or the victim throughout the post, Lacey continued: “Early on in my life, I developed a dependent and addictive relationship with sex.”

He added: “I am sorry for ignoring the way in which my position, status, and power as a member of a band affected the way people viewed me or their approach to their interactions with me.

“And I am sorry for how often I have not afforded women the respect, support, or honesty that they deserved, and which is their right.”

Kevin Devine, a touring member for Brand New, announced he would be departing the band before the UK dates were cancelled.

The guitarist issued a statement, writing: “I had not heard the story prior to it being made public yesterday. I’m heartbroken for her and for every person who absorbs and subsequently has to figure out how to live with this type of trauma. We all need to do a lot better, myself very much included.”

Brand New have performed together since 2000, releasing five albums throughout their lifespan — the most recent, Science Fiction, reached number one in the US.

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