CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses allegations of sexual assault
UPDATE: The Orwells Break Up, Following Sexual Assault Allegations
ORIGINAL STORY: Chicago band The Orwells have denied a number of allegations of sexual assault made against band members Mario Cuomo, Henry Brinner and Grant Brinner.
The allegations were published in a Google Doc on Reddit earlier this week, but the document has since been removed.
In a statement (via Pitchfork), the band say they “emphatically deny” the allegations made against them.
“We emphatically deny these baseless allegations brought as a personal attack against us,” they say.
“While callow altercations and vulgar language we’ve used in the past must be recognized and owned up to, the accusations of sexual assault are completely unfounded.
“No member of this band has ever acted without consent or maliciously taken advantage of anyone.”
Read the band’s full statement, below.
The Orwells toured Australia for the first time last year, and following the recent allegations, have cancelled a hometown show at Chicago’s Metro, which was scheduled for 23rd November.
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.
The Orwells Statement
It’s come to our attention that certain allegations of abuse have been made against one or more of us on social media and in social circles of Chicago. We’d like to first state that sexual abuse in any form is abhorrent. We do not take these accusations lightly and consider this matter incredibly serious. We emphatically deny these baseless allegations brought as a personal attack against us.
While callow altercations and vulgar language we’ve used in the past must be recognized and owned up to, the accusations of sexual assault are completely unfounded. No member of this band has ever acted without consent or maliciously taken advantage of anyone. We encourage anyone who’s been affected by sexual abuse to speak up and make their abusers known; however we also encourage everyone to be cautious of the things they read and say on the Internet. No victim of abuse should be hesitant to make their voice heard and if someone does feel that we’ve hurt them, we encourage them to contact us properly and privately (not via social media or anonymously), as to respect their identity.
Sincerely, Matt, Mario, Dominic, Henry, and Grant
The Orwells
https://twitter.com/TheOrwells/status/1034174890629386241
