Anti-Flag and Justin Sane Subject Statements Relating to Band’s Breakup and Sexual Assault Allegations

Anti-Flag frontman Justin Sane and the three different members of the band have issued statements relating to the group’s latest disbandment following sexual assault allegations made towards Sane.

Sane denied the allegations in his assertion, calling them “categorically false,” and added that the band determined to interrupt up as a result of “it might be unimaginable to proceed” underneath the present circumstances.

Sane’s full assertion, through his Instagram account, reads:

“Not too long ago, there have been claims of sexual assault made towards me and I can inform you 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 girl after a sexual encounter and been advised I had in any means acted with out her consent or violated her in any means. Now that I’ve had a couple of days to soak up the preliminary shock, I’m making this assertion to set the document straight.

Sexual assault is actual and has a devasting influence on victims. I’ve devoted my complete grownup life to standing up for these victims in addition to these struggling oppression and inequality, who’re victimized, demeaned, and abused. I’ve all the time been, and can all the time be, that individual. The statements being advised about me are the antithesis of what I consider and the way I’ve carried out myself all through my life.

In regard to Anti-flag disbanding, as a band, the choice was made that underneath these circumstances it might be unimaginable to proceed.

I wish to thank my household and pals, and the numerous, many followers, musicians, and bands who’ve reached out to me to supply their help and assist.”

The opposite members of Anti-Flag — Pat Thetic, Chris Barker, and Chris Head — issued a collective assertion, additionally posted through Sane’s Instagram account:

“A core tenet of the band Anti-Flag is to hearken to and consider all survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The latest allegations about Justin are in direct contradiction to that tenet. Subsequently, we felt the one rapid possibility was to disband.

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 ladies. This expertise has shaken us to our core.

We perceive and apologize that this response could not have been fast sufficient for some folks. That is new territory for all of us and it’s taking time for us to course of the scenario.

It was a privilege for us to be within the band Anti-Flag, as we search to search out our path ahead we want therapeutic to all survivors.

– Chris, Chris, and Pat”

We reported on the preliminary allegations after followers tied a latest podcast episode devoted to sexual assault within the music enterprise to frontman Justin Sane.

The episode featured a girl’s story about being raped by a singer in a political punk band from the East Coast. She didn’t particularly title the band or singer, however she did point out a March 2022 publish on a Tumblr referred to as The Trade Ain’t Secure, which reads, “Justin Sane from Anti-Flag. Am I actually the one individual this has occurred to?”

In the event you or somebody you understand has been impacted by sexual misconduct, you’ll be able to attain out for help:
RAINN Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
http://www.rainn.org