A thorough story in Pitchfork claims that four people have accused Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler of sexual assault.
While a fourth individual, who identifies as gender-fluid, claims that Butler sexually assaulted them twice in 2015, three women claim that the interactions were inappropriate given the gaps in age, power relations, and the context in which they occurred.
Butler Has Acknowledged the Encounters but Denies the Allegations
Butler has acknowledged the encounters but denies the allegations, claiming through a spokeswoman that they were consensual. Butler founded the band in 2001 with Regine Chassagne, who is now his wife. Following are statements from Butler and Chassagne; when reached by Variety on Saturday, a band representative stated there was nothing else to add. The three Arcade Fire fans claim that they came to feel [their sexual relations with Butler]
were wrong given the gaps in age, power dynamics, and the context in which they occurred. According to them, the encounters took place between 2016 and 2020, when he was between 36 and 39, and started when they were both between the ages of 18 and 23.
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The Fourth Person Claims Butler Raped Them Twice Sexually
In 2015, when they were 21 and he was 34, the fourth person claims Butler raped them twice sexually: The first time was when they were in a car together, and the second was supposedly after he allegedly showed up at their apartment despite text messages requesting that he not do so.
In addition to speaking with friends and family members who claimed to have heard about the alleged instances, Pitchfork claims it has seen screenshots of text and Instagram conversations exchanged between them and Butler. In the account, all four users go by aliases.
Butler Responded Through Crisis Public Relations Representative Risa Heller
Butler responded through crisis public relations representative Risa Heller. He acknowledged having intercourse with each of the four persons but insisted that it was consensual and not his idea. Butler even promised through Heller to put Pitchfork in touch with many women who had previously engaged in consenting sexual activity with him. Pitchfork has comprehensive coverage of the exchanges as well as Butlers complete statement.
I love Rgine with all of my heart, he said in his statement. Weve been together for twenty years; she is my soulmate and my companion in music and life. I feel fortunate and glad to have her at my side. It has, however, occasionally been challenging for me to strike a balance between being a good father, spouse, and bandmate. I want to clear the air today regarding my life, my bad judgment, and my errors.
Outside of My Marriage, I Have Engaged in Consensual Partnerships.
There isnt an easy way to explain this, and telling my son about it has been the toughest thing Ive ever had to do. Since our marriage has historically been less conventional than others, my wife is aware that the bulk of these relationships ended quickly. Ive made connections with people in person, at events, and on social media, and Ive conveyed messages that Im not proud of. Most crucially, each and every one of these exchanges has always involved mutual consent between adults. Any suggestion to the contrary is gravely revisionist and, quite frankly, incorrect.
Any claims to the contrary are simply untrue; I have never touched a lady against her will. I absolutely refute any claims that I coerced a woman into giving me anything in exchange for sexual favors. That just never happened, there is no doubt about it. Despite the fact that each of these interactions was voluntary, I sincerely apologize to everyone I may have offended. Since there is so much suffering and misfortune in life, I would never want to contribute to the suffering of others.
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Mental health problems and the repercussions of my abuse as a youngster have plagued me for a very long time. After our family suffered a miscarriage in my 30s, I started drinking to help me get through the worst depression of my life. While none of this seeks to justify my actions, I would like to provide some background and discuss the events that were occurring in my life at the time.
I want to apologize to all of my friends, family, anyone Ive offended, and those who enjoy my music but are startled and upset by this news. Im sorry for the hurt I caused; Im sorry I wasnt more cognizant of and tuned in to the impact I have on people. I messed up, but thats not an excuse. Ill keep moving forward, seeking to mend what can be mended, and learning from my mistakes. Ill improve since Im capable of doing so.
The Representative Additionally Offered a Written Statement from Chassagne in Support of Butlers Viewpoint, Which Is as Follows:
The win is my soul mate, my writing partner, my spouse, and the father of my gorgeous baby. He has been my musical and life partner for 20 years. In addition, despite the love that exists between us, I have had to witness him go through excruciating anguish. As a good man who loves our world, our band, his fans, friends, and family, I have stood by him.
Win and I have been friends since our undergraduate days as regular students before we were famous. I am confident he never touched a woman without her permission because I know what is in his heart. He has never done so and never would. He was lost, but now he knows how to go back. I cherish him and the life we have built together.
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