Arcade Fire lead singer Win Butler has been accused of sexual misconduct just days ahead of the band’s concerts in Dublin this week.
Four people allege the indie rock band frontman behaved inappropriately and sent unwanted sexual messages to them between 2015 and 2020. The star, 42, has denied the claims and added: “It is deeply revisionist and frankly just wrong for anyone to suggest otherwise.”
The band have a sold-out gig tomorrow in the 3Arena with limited tickets available for Wednesday. Last night, music promoters MCD said the concerts are going ahead. They added: “Arcade Fire play Dublin’s 3Arena this Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st August 2022.”
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It emerged yesterday that an investigation by Pitchfork found three women and one gender fluid person, between 18 and 23 at the time, claimed Butler had taken advantage of them. One woman, given the pseudonym Stella, said she and Butler were texting in 2016 when she was 18 and met for a drink.
She claimed he was “repeatedly sending her explicit texts without consent or reciprocation” and said the messages were not wanted. Butler said he did not realise the messages were not wanted, but he recognised the age gap and could see “how it could be overwhelming”.
Another woman given the name Fiona said he was sexting and video calling after they communicated on Instagram in 2017 when she was 20. Sexual encounters followed which Butler said were consensual.
Fiona said she suffered mental health issues and tried to end her life over the impact of keeping everything a secret. Butler said Fiona tried to sext again after no communication for a year which she denies.
Another woman called Sarah said she was 23 in 2018 when Butler responded to her message about how much his music means to her. She said he sent explicit sexual videos which left her feeling “nervous and so ashamed”. Butler told Pitchfork he apologised “to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour”.
He added: “I am continuing to learn from my mistakes and working hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of. I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I f****d up and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed and learn from past mistakes.”
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