Cult rock band Brand New have cancelled the Irish and British leg of their tour amid allegations of sexual misconduct with underage teens made against frontman Jessie Lacy.
The allegations first surfaced on November 9th in a Facebook thread where one woman accused Lacey of soliciting nude photos off her when she was 15 years old. She also added that the singer asked her to watch him masturbate over Skype.
The woman, who is now in her 20’s posted on Facebook saying :
“Lacey solicited nudes from me starting when I was 15 and he was 24. He manipulated the hell out of me, demanded specific poses/settings/clothing, demeaned me, and made it clear that my sexuality was the only thing I had to offer… It fucked me up to the point that I still have nightmares and wake up in a sweat. I still breakdown and have panic attacks when people play Brand New in a bar.”
Lacey responded to the allegations in a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday 13th November on the band's official page. He said :
“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 defense of myself nor do I forgive myself. I was selfish, narcissistic and insensitive in my past, and there are a number of people who have had to shoulder the burden of my failures. I apologize for the hurt I have caused, and hope to be able to take correct actions to earn forgiveness and trust...
I am sorry for how I have hurt people, mistreated them, lied, and cheated. 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”
Soon after the statement was made, touring member and support act Kevin Devine, pulled out of the tour. He made a statement shortly after Lacey’s saying
“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… I hope that my friend continues to do what he needs to do to get and be better.”
Refunds will be available from point of purchase for the sold- out show in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre supposed to be going ahead on Thursday 16th November.
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