Canadian musician Leslie Feist says she’s leaving Arcade Hearth’s tour as a consequence of sexual misconduct allegations in opposition to lead singer Win Butler.
“This has been extremely troublesome for me and I can solely think about how way more troublesome it’s been for the individuals who got here ahead,” the singer-songwriter write in a message posted to social media on Thursday.
“Greater than something I want therapeutic to these concerned.”
Feist had been booked because the opening act for the European leg of the Montreal band’s newest tour, which kicked off in Dublin on Tuesday.
The live shows went forward simply days after U.S. leisure publication Pitchfork ran an article containing allegations that Butler had inappropriate sexual interactions with 4 folks.
Learn extra:
Win Butler, Arcade Hearth singer, denies a number of sexual misconduct allegations
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Among the many complaints by the accusers have been that the 42-year-old musician made unwelcome advances and behaved inappropriately primarily based on energy dynamics and gaps in age. One of many accusers informed Pitchfork Butler sexually assaulted them two instances in 2015 after they have been 21 years outdated and he was 34.
The Canadian Press has not independently verified the accounts outlined within the report, and Butler denies the allegations. In an announcement, he stated all encounters passed off between consenting adults and that he by no means touched a girl in opposition to her will or demanded sexual favours.
Feist’s put up didn’t handle the particular allegations however she acknowledged “this has ignited a dialog that’s larger than me, it’s larger than my songs and it’s definitely larger than any rock ‘n’ roll tour.”
She described studying concerning the accusations outlined in opposition to Butler whereas she was at a pub in Dublin after rehearsing together with her band. She says it left her little time to get her bearings and “determine my duty on this state of affairs.”
“It may be a lonely street to make sense of ailing therapy,” she stated.
“I can’t remedy that by quitting, and I can’t remedy it by staying. However I can’t proceed.”
Feist carried out the primary two nights of the scheduled dates and describes folks round her “expressing sympathy for the dichotomy I’ve been pushed into.”
“To remain on tour would symbolize I used to be both defending or ignoring the hurt attributable to Win Butler and to depart would suggest I used to be the choose and jury,” she stated.
“I’m imperfect and I’ll navigate this case imperfectly, however what I’m certain of is one of the simplest ways to maintain my band and crew is to distance myself from this tour, not this dialog,” she added.
Followers and members of the music trade have reacted this week to the allegations in opposition to Butler, with some ticket holders calling for Reside Nation to refund them for upcoming exhibits, which embrace dates in Canada later this yr.
Learn extra:
Quebec Liberal Celebration Chief Dominique Anglade urges Win Butler accusers to file formal complaints
Reside Nation has not responded to requests for remark.
In the meantime, a number of Canadian radio stations have pulled Arcade Hearth from their rotation with Rogers Media saying its two various music radio stations in Edmonton and Vancouver have “paused” taking part in the band because it continues to “monitor the state of affairs because it unfolds.”
CBC confirmed it will additionally cease taking part in the rock act on its CBC Music FM radio station and the Sirius XM channel CBC Radio 3, no less than quickly, whereas Toronto station Indie88 reduce Arcade Hearth from its playlist over the weekend.
© 2022 The Canadian Press
