Bellingen music festival River Sounds, which had its inaugural event in August 2022, has shared a statement condemning incidents of sexual harassment that are alleged to have taken place at the festival. In a post shared to the festival’s Instagram page last week, festival director Ben Lewis said it had come to his attention that “sexual harassment incidents [occurred] at the event”, perpetrated by “men aged in their early 40s” and directed towards “young females under the age of 18.”
“The actions of these lowlife scum ruined the festival experience for the youths they targeted,” Lewis said. “I want to express how sorry I am that incidents of this nature [occurred] at River Sounds, and I want to apologise to any individual impacted by this appalling behaviour.”
River Sounds Director Ben Lewis Releases Statement on Alleged Harassment
Lewis described those who “think it’s ok to harass anyone in society, let alone sexually harass under aged females” as the “lowest of the low.” He continued: “You are weak. Your behaviour has no place in society. You’re not welcome at my future events.”
Lewis called on the broader community to help in stamping out these sorts of incidents. “It’s time to stand up against the minority scum who continue to act in this way. If you witness this shit, gather your friends and shut it down. Everyone deserves to be safe, and to have the freedom to do whatever they choose.”
Lewis also apologised to festival headliners Regurgitator, after the band received negative feedback about a video that was played on loop during their set of a cartoon figure urinating. The graphic was intended to be played while the band performed their Unit song ‘I Piss Alone’, but was not designed to be looped. “It was River Sounds who looped the video (not Regurgitator), and in hindsight it was a poor choice,” Lewis said. “I apologise if this video caused offense to anyone in the audience.”
After numerous postponements due to COVID-19, the inaugural edition of River Sounds took place across three days – from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st August – at Bellingen Showgrounds. Aside from Regurgitator, the lineup also included Baker Boy, Alex the Astronaut and more.
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732.
Further Reading
Arcade Fire’s Win Butler Accused of Repeated Sexual Misconduct
Judge Dismisses Child Sexual Exploitation Lawsuit From Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ Baby
The Griswolds’ Christopher Whitehall Has Admitted To “Multiple Cases” Of Sexual Misconduct
