All Time Low deny sexual misconduct allegations against Jack Barakat

Baltimore pop-punk band All Time Low have denied the sexual misconduct allegations raised about guitarist Jack Barakat.

The group behind hits such as 'Dear Maria Count Me In' and 'Weightless' have called the allegations "absolutely and unequivocally false" in a statement released by all four members on the band's Twitter account.

"When a TikTok video gained traction a few weeks ago alluding to inappropriate behavior within our camp, we chose not to respond because of the glaring inconsistencies in the story and the apparent reluctance to mention us by name," reads the statement.

"We felt that a response would have elevated and escalated an outright lie and in doing so robbed actual victims of abuse of their very real and very important collective voice. We believe victims. We stand with victims. We have only ever wanted to cultivate and nurture a culture around our show and band that is welcoming, healthy, and safe."

A video had gone viral on TikTok where a woman said a "famous pop-punk band” had "let [her] on their tour bus when [she] was 13". In the video’s comments, the woman also stated the band "tried to take my bra for their nasty collection [and] offered me beers".

Another woman who chose to remain anonymous by creating a now-deleted Twitter account called ATLStatment claimed Barakat had sexually abused her when she was 15.

"I had no idea that a week after my fifteenth birthday, my hero would take advantage of me," she wrote.

Although the account is now deleted, screenshots of the woman's statement have been shared on the website.

All Time Low also said in their response that they would be "investigating further the source of these false accusations" and will be "seeking legal recourse".

“We stand with victims and always wish to amplify the voices and stories of those who have suffered abuse and trauma,” they added. “But we cannot and will not fuel or amplify lies that only cloud and distort the true stories of those who need to be heard and represented.”

For help regarding sexual harassment or abuse, visit the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on their website, or call their national helpline at 1 800 77 8888.

A statement from the four of us. pic.twitter.com/tazxZAKOkr

— All Time Low (@AllTimeLow) October 25, 2021