CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses sexual assault
Australian icon-in-the-making Jaguar Jonze is inspiring sexual assault survivors everywhere, making her powerful return to music after years of unspeakable trauma and a “merciless” legal battle for justice. After going silent on social media since November of 2023, Deena Lynch (the artist behind the Jaguar Jonze project) has broken her silence to announce an intimate new EP entitled victim impact statement arriving later this month.
“I am slowly finding the courage to create again”
The record marks a watershed moment for Jaguar, courageously returning to the very same industry that traumatised her in the first place, as she works to reclaim her art, her body, and her identity after five years of pure hell.
“I’ve been dark on social media for a while because as most of you know, in 2019, two music producers took my body without my consent,” Deena shared with her fans on Instagram in a vulnerable, heartfelt post.
“For 5 years, I advocated in the media, music industry and government for safety in our workplaces. At the same time, I had to fight for my own justice and protection through countless court hearings and proceedings. Towards the end of 2023, the criminal court trial of this case ended in a mistrial after a merciless cross examination and was relisted later this year to start all over again.”
She continued: “The burnout from all of this trauma while trying to hold onto my career caught up with me. I was broken, fatigued and lost my purpose. I didn’t know how to be an artist in a society so stained with systemic abuse as well as meet expectations to be both a perfect victim and a tireless advocate.”
“On February 23rd, I’m releasing my intimate EP victim impact statement to return my voice and own my body,” she concluded. “To break out of the silence and take back my power. To grieve and repair. I am slowly finding the courage to create again. It would mean so much if you could support my journey back into my artistry.”
Following the EP’s release, Jaguar Jonze will perform two intimate East Coast shows with Japanese poetry-rapper and past collaborator Haru Nemuri in Sydney and Melbourne.
Suss the details below, or pre-order her new EP victim impact statement right here.
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732.
For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Dates And Venues
with Haru Nemuri
- Tuesday, 27th February – Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC
- Thursday, 29th February – The Lady Hampshire, Sydney, NSW
Further Reading
Jaguar Jonze Opens Up About Her Experiences Of Abuse In The Music Industry On The Project
Kate Miller-Heidke Reworks Powerful ‘You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore’ With Jaguar Jonze
