Homewrecker kick out vocalist as allegations of sexual assault against drummer also arise
Ohio metallic hardcore band Homewrecker have kicked out frontman Matt Barnum, following the multiple sexual assault and misconduct allegations against Barnum that lead to their label Good Fight Music swiftly dropping the band. As Lambgoat points out, drummer Matt Izzi issued a statement, also signed by remaining members Paul Aloisio and Dalton Edwards:
Over the past 24 hours I’ve been spending my time reaching out to women who have been sharing their stories, and that is my first priority. This has given me the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in one on one conversations. This is about women being heard, and to me I did not fully understand the true gravity of what was going on. I am sick! Matt Barnum’s behavior over time has been carefully crafted in order to conceal his true intentions, while deceiving his closest friends.
I empathize with all those who have been extremely brave to share their stories, as well as the ones who have yet to. My heart pours out for you. I am listening, I am here, and this is very terrible—beyond comprehension. I feel like someone I have known for 10+ years has been a lie, and now I’m getting a full picture at the type of man he is, it’s terrifying.
We all knew Barnum was flirtatious, he was a mutual friend with everybody, and slept around. I found out today, he would give guests lists spots and merch in exchange for nudes. I found out today, he booked tours around which cities a women he was talking to, so they can hook up while everybody would be sleeping.
I’m fucking pissed off, because when I started this band with Ryan Spoz 12 years ago, it was a passion, a love for creating music with your best friends. Writing songs about personal problems provided me an outlet to express myself, only to be driven into the ground by Barnum’s egotistical lying using the band for the sole purpose of manipulating and taking advantage of young women.
I’m ashamed to be proud of being in this band. I’m ashamed in myself for not digging and prying deeper to fully know what the hell is really happening.
I’ve struggled with confrontation for a long time, so challenging him in the past on what goes against my moral beliefs, only to be manipulated to make me feel crazy at times, even guilty is just truly crushing. He’s a fucking con, and I’m angry!
Our relationship was hollow, and far from genuine. The last four years I had to slowly step back from this band, and start to grow up and take control of my life. He never has once taken accountability in anything, you pour your heart out to him, and he turns it around on you. I’m truly sick seeing all of this, and what I’ve learned from reaching out is it’s all true. I hear you all!
There’s a Barnum everywhere especially in the music scene. It needs to end, now! All need to be held accountable.
The respect I have for this platform to show the truth is huge, and sadly it is just unfolding. I don’t want this to end, so please if anybody wants to talk about this—I am here for you. Know you’re not alone.
I want to make it clear without question, Matt Barnum is no longer a part of Homewrecker. I along with the rest of my bandmates vehemently oppose his actions and do not condone this despicable behavior.
However, the @survivingmattbarnum Instagram that was launched also contains allegations against Izzi. One anonymous user accused Izzi of rape, another alleged that he is “an abuser and manipulator,” another alleged that he sent unsolicited dick pics, and another posted an alleged screenshot of Izzi sending inappropriate texts to a minor. You can view those posts below.
UPDATE: All remaining Homewrecker members except Izzi have left the band.
Code Orange, for whom Matt Barnum sold merch and worked as a road crew member, also issued a statement on Barnum and said they’d be donating the proceeds from their next livestream to RAINN.
This story may still be developing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBxaY1NDUdC/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBxfZwzD_np/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBx8RuXD3vG/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBx-_o2DAKX/
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If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 24/7 at 800.656.HOPE (4673). More info at RAINN.org.
