Kevin Devine and The Goddamn Band at Irving Plaza
photo by Amanda Hatfield

Kevin Devine addresses allegations against Jesse Lacey of Brand New

UPDATE: Kevin Devine has dropped off the Brand New tour.

Following allegations of sexual misconduct against him, Jesse Lacey of Brand New has issued a statement. Now Kevin Devine, who has been a touring member of Brand New during their tour in support of Science Fiction and who is also scheduled to open their upcoming Dublin show, has made a statement of his own via Facebook:

I want to address the allegations against Jesse.

I believe that it is critically important to really listen to & hear people who speak out about abuse of power & sexual misconduct. I fully support that decision in this situation, which I’m sure was incredibly difficult, and I hope she is supported in the next part of her journey toward healing. 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. We all need to do a lot better, myself very much included.

I’m a recovering alcoholic and drug addict who has been sober for 9.5 years. My life experience has indicated to me that rehabilitation, through accountability, through owning & learning from the worst things about yourself, and through accepting & facing the consequences of your actions, is a real & possible ideal. I hope that my friend continues to do what he needs to do to get & be better. I completely understand it is not incumbent upon anyone else to see situations like this through that lens, and I mean to inflict no harm in presenting my experience.

I’m not sure what happens next. When I am, I’ll say more.

Thank you,
Kevin