Win Butler, lead singer of Canadian band Arcade Fire, currently on tour, has denied allegations of sexual assault and “inappropriate” behavior that allegedly took place between 2015 and 2020, according to four anonymous testimonies relayed by the music site Pitchfork.
The singer has confirmed he had sex with the four people making the allegations, but claims they were consenting.
“I have never touched a woman against her will,” defended Win Butler, in a press release sent to Pitchfork on Saturday.
“Although these relationships were all consensual, I am truly sorry for all those whom I have hurt by my behavior,” adds the artist who mentions having gone through depression and alcohol problems.
One of the alleged victims, a non-binary person, who was 21 years old in 2015, claims to have been sexually assaulted by the singer, who was 34 years old, reports the American media reference of the independent music scene.
Win Butler allegedly slipped his hand down his pants during a car ride.
“I opened my door and he slammed me against the wall and aggressively grabbed my body and put his tongue in my mouth,” says “Lily,” who uses an alias, like the others. testimonials.
“Lily” then explains that the singer allegedly again put his hand in his pants without his consent inside the apartment of the alleged victim.
Three women, aged 18 to 23 between 2016 and 2020, describe having also had “inappropriate” interactions due to the “age difference, power dynamics and context”. At the time, the star they were fans of was between 36 and 39 years old.
One of them, “Stella”, who was 18 in 2016, says she was contacted by the singer, who allegedly sent her messages and photos of a sexual nature, not requested by the alleged victim, explains the media.
Co-founder of the group and wife of Win Butler, Montrealer Régine Chassagne, assures that “he would never touch a woman without her consent, and I am sure he never did”, in another press release sent to Pitchfork .
The allegations came days before the band kicked off their new tour in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
Arcade Fire returned in May with their album “We” (“We” in English).