MONTREAL –
The lead singer of Montreal-based rock band Arcade Fire released a statement in response to a media report that included multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
The allegations against Wynn Butler are outlined in a report by entertainment news site Pitchfork, which published a story Saturday alleging inappropriate sexual interactions with three women and one man who identifies as gender fluid.
The complainants told Pitchfork that the alleged interactions were inappropriate based on age gaps and power dynamics in the game and included unwanted advances.
In an emailed statement sent through a crisis public relations firm, Butler admitted to having an extramarital affair with bandmate Régine Chassagne.
But the singer denies any allegations of wrongdoing, saying all encounters were between consenting adults and he never touched a woman against her will or solicited sexual favors.
Butler apologized for his behavior and said he struggled with mental health issues and alcohol addiction at the time the alleged incidents took place, 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 was also included in the Pitchfork article , submitted by New York-based Risa Heller Communications.
“I’m sorry for the pain I caused – I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and attuned to the effect I was having on people.”
Arcade Fire is 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 will embark on a world tour this week to promote their sixth album, We.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 28, 2022.
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