Frontman issued a lengthy statement via Facebook
Following allegations of sexual abuse in the film industry, reports are beginning to emerge in the music scene.
Brand New's vocalist and guitarist, Jesse Lacey, has been accused by several people of sexual misconduct. The allegations come in the same week that the band released a new album, their first in eight years.
The accusations include requests for inappropriate photos from minors, among other allegations. Because of this, the band cancelled their tour dates in the US, England, and Ireland, and Lacey issued a lengthy statement which can be read below:
"In an effort to address recent events and the conversations that are taking place, I think it's important to issue a personal and clear statement.".
My past actions have caused pain and hurt a number of people, and I want to say that I am truly sorry. I will not defend myself or forgive myself. I was selfish, narcissistic, and insensitive in the past, and other people had to bear the weight of my mistakes. I apologize for the pain I caused, and I hope I can make the right decisions to earn people's forgiveness and trust.
When I was very young, I became addicted to sex. Regarding that, I was afraid, ashamed, and didn't want to admit it, and it became a terrible problem. A few years ago, after admitting my habits and having cheated on my future wife, I started to treat it as a serious problem. I sought professional help, both in individual and group therapy, and it showed me the horrible place I had reached in my life, and the terrible impact my actions had on people.
Lacey continues:
"I apologize for hurting people, mistreating them, lying to them, and betraying them. I am very sorry for ignoring the fact that my position, status, and power as a band member affect how people see me and approach me. And I am very sorry for not giving the women who approached me the respect, support, and honesty they deserved and that is their right.".
I believe in equality and autonomy for all people, but in my life I have been much more of a violator of these values than someone who defends them.
The message ends with Jesse Lacey saying:
"I have no words to express the patience and help my wife has given me. I love my family with an intensity and reality I had never felt before, and as a father, I have been given the opportunity to wake up each day with the goal of serving my family and the people close to me, and to feel for the first time in my life that I have a purpose.".
The fact remains that none of us can put up a wall separating who we are from who we were. I have to earn forgiveness. Concepts like repentance, compassion, and love only become real through practical actions, and it is through my actions that I must prove I have changed. I hope I can demonstrate humility, and that the pain I caused others can pass. I am not above reproach, and no one should be.
"Jasse Lacey".
The official statement in full can be viewed here:
