MONTREAL –
The lead singer of Montreal rock band Arcade Fire released a statement in response to a media report that includes multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
The charges against Win Butler are outlined in a report by entertainment news site Pitchfork, which published an article on Saturday containing allegations of inappropriate sexual interactions with three women and a person who identifies as fluid.
The plaintiffs told Pitchfork that the alleged interactions were inappropriate due to age gaps and the power dynamics at play and included unwelcome advances.
In a statement emailed through a crisis PR firm, Butler admitted he had sex outside of his marriage with teammate Régine Chassagne.
But the singer denies any allegations of misconduct, saying all encounters were between consenting adults and he never touched a woman against her will or demanded sexual favors.
Butler apologized for his behavior and said he struggled with mental health issues and alcohol addiction at the time the alleged incidents occurred, between 2015 and 2019.
“As I look to the future, I continue to learn from my mistakes and work hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of,” Butler said in the statement, which also appeared in the Pitchfork article, submitted by New York-based Risa Heller Communications.
“I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused – I’m sorry for not being more aware and in tune with the effect I have on people.”
Arcade Fire are considered one of the most successful Canadian bands to emerge from the indie rock scene of the early 2000s.
The Grammy and Juno-winning band are set to embark on a world tour this week to promote their sixth album “We.”
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 28, 2022.