Brand New at Kings Theatre
photo by Amanda Hatfield

Brand New shows cancelled following Jesse Lacey allegations

UPDATE: Another woman came forth with detailed allegations.

Brand New have cancelled their upcoming shows in the UK and Ireland following the allegations of sexual misconduct against frontman Jesse Lacey. The band posted a message to Facebook, saying “due to the events of the last few days, Brand New will be postponing it’s upcoming three shows in the United Kingdom and Ireland.”

Due to the events of the last few days, Brand New will be postponing it's upcoming three shows in the United Kingdom and Ireland.Ticket refunds will be accepted at the original point of purchase.

Posted by Brand New on Monday, November 13, 2017

Opening band Martha dropped off the two shows they were to open following the allegations. Kevin Devine, who had been part of Brand New’s touring band, and was to open the Dublin show, also dropped off the tour after making a statement of his own, where he said, “I had not heard the story prior to it being made public yesterday. I’m heartbroken for her & for every person who absorbs & subsequently has to figure out how to live with this type of trauma…I hope that my friend [Lacey] continues to do what he needs to do to get & be better.”

Lacey made a statement regarding the allegations against him, which include soliciting nude photos from a minor, with a statement of his own. In it, he says, “The actions of my past have caused pain and harm to a number of people, and I want to say that I am absolutely sorry. I do not stand in defense of myself nor do I forgive myself. I was selfish, narcissistic, and insensitive in my past, and there are a number of people who have had to shoulder the burden of my failures…I am sorry for how I have hurt people, mistreated them, lied, and cheated. I am sorry for ignoring the way in which my position, status, and power as a member of a band affected the way people viewed me or their approach to their interactions with me. And I am sorry for how often I have not afforded women the respect, support, or honesty that they deserved, and which is their right. I believe in the equality and autonomy of all, but in my life I have been more of a detriment to these ideals than an advocate.”