South African deathcore outfit Vulvodynia is having a pretty rough week. After allegations of sexual assault surfaced online against their new vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, Bittenbender has now left the band’s current tour due to the allegations.
Originally addressing the situation on November 6th, Metal Injection reported that Vulvodynia released the following statement on Facebook: “We’re aware of the serious allegations that have recently surfaced online involving one of our members. We know how distressing and emotional this kind of news can be, and we understand that many people in our community are reacting strongly to it. We want to make it clear that we are taking this matter very seriously. Out of respect for everyone involved, and to ensure that the situation is handled fairly and responsibly, we will be allowing the appropriate legal and professional channels to take their course before making any further comment.”
Bittenbender released his own statement on Instagram stories: “Recently, false and deeply hurtful statements have been made about me online. I want to address this directly and clearly. The allegations being spread about me are completely untrue. I did not commit the act I am being accused of, and I have never been charged with or investigated for such a crime.
Unfortunately, these claims have resurfaced multiple times over the years and have caused unnecessary harm to my personal and professional life. I have remained silent out of respect for privacy and because I believed the truth would speak for itself. However, the continued spread of these falsehoods has left me no choice but to speak publicly.
I have 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I love dearly, and being accused of harming a woman is something I am completely incapable o,f and those who know me and my character know that I would never do such a thing. I take matters like this very seriously and have always conducted myself with integrity and respect toward others. Those who know me personally and professionally know the truth about my character.
I am taking appropriate legal and professional steps to address this defamation and harassment. I will not engage further on social media about this matter. I feel as though making false allegations of something as serious as this is taking away from what real victims have experienced and gone through, and my heart goes out to them.
Thank you to those who have reached out with support or concern. I appreciate your understanding as I handle this situation through the proper channels.”
Now, just a few short days later, it’s been announced that Zion Bittenbender is no longer joining Vulvodynia on tour, a role that he took to allow guitarist Lwandile Prusent to step back from vocal duties, which Prusent will now have to resume. The newest statement about Bittenbender‘s absence came from the tour was posted to Vulvodynia‘s Instagram and is as follows:
“Following the recent allegations circulating online involving our vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, we want to provide an update regarding our touring plans.
After careful discussion, Zion will be returning home from our current tour in Asia to focus on addressing these matters through the appropriate legal channels. Handling this responsibly would be extremely difficult while continuing to tour internationally, so this decision has been made in everyone’s best interests.
Lwandile Prusent, who originally fronted Vulvodynia and has since been performing on guitar, will resume vocal duties for the remained of 2025 to ensure our commitments are fulfilled.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support while this situation is handled properly and respectfully.”
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