Simply weeks in the past, South African deathcore band Vulvodynia was going by means of a line-up change, which they framed as a artistic rebirth. The band formally launched Zion Bittenbender as their new frontman, bringing in Bittenbender so guitarist Lwandile Prusent may step again from the function of frontman, a task Prusent had assumed after a violent altercation led to the dismissal of former vocalist Duncan Bentley.
On the time, guitarist Luke Haarhoff expressed full-throated enthusiasm in a November fifth assertion: “We’re very excited to announce Zion Bittenbender as our new vocalist. We’ve been working with him behind the scenes for some time now, and the brand new materials is sounding like the perfect music we’ve created so far. We are able to’t look ahead to all of you to listen to the brand new period of Vulvodynia.”
Nearly instantly after their first exhibits with Bittenbender on vocals, nonetheless, that ahead momentum has collided with resurfaced accusations. A lady figuring out herself as a former intimate associate publicly accused him of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, and different disturbing habits, sharing screenshots she claims are conversations with him (which could be seen here).
Dealing with mounting public strain, Vulvodynia issued a formal statement at present (November sixth), acknowledging the allegations and signaling a deliberate, cautious stance.
“We’re conscious of the intense allegations which have not too long ago surfaced on-line involving certainly one of our members. We all know how distressing and emotional this type of information could be, and we perceive that many individuals in our neighborhood are reacting strongly to it. We wish to make it clear that we’re taking this matter very severely. Out of respect for everybody concerned, and to make sure that the state of affairs is dealt with pretty and responsibly, we might be permitting the suitable authorized {and professional} channels to take their course earlier than making any additional remark.”
In parallel, Zion Bittenbender has launched his personal assertion, unequivocally rejecting the accusations and framing them as recurring, baseless assaults on his character.
“Lately, false and deeply hurtful statements have been made about me on-line. I wish to deal with this straight and clearly. The allegations being unfold about me are fully unfaithful. I didn’t commit the act I’m being accused of, and I’ve by no means been charged with or investigated for such against the law.
Sadly, these claims have resurfaced a number of instances through the years and have brought on pointless hurt to my private {and professional} life. I’ve remained silent out of respect for privateness and since I believed the reality would converse for itself. Nonetheless, the continued unfold of those falsehoods has left me no alternative however to talk publicly.
I’ve 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I really like dearly, and being accused of harming a girl is one thing I’m fully incapable o,f and those that know me and my character know that I might by no means do such a factor. I take issues like this very severely and have at all times carried out myself with integrity and respect towards others. Those that know me personally and professionally know the reality about my character.
I’m taking applicable authorized {and professional} steps to handle this defamation and harassment. I cannot have interaction additional on social media about this matter. I really feel as if making false allegations of one thing as severe as that is taking away from what actual victims have skilled and gone by means of, and my coronary heart goes out to them.
Thanks to those that have reached out with assist or concern. I respect your understanding as I deal with this example by means of the right channels.”
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