Brand New front man Jesse Lacey has issued a lengthy statement and apology after being accused of sexual misconduct with a minor.
The 39-year-old singer took to the band’s Facebook page on Saturday to write the post, admitting that ‘actions of my past have caused pain and harm to a number of people, and I want to say that I am absolutely sorry.’
Lacey’s response comes after a woman accused him of soliciting nude images when she was 15 years old and he was 24. The statement released Saturday didn’t respond specifically to the allegations.
In response: Brand New singer Jesse Lacey has issued an apology after he was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor
Place of importance: Lacey, 39, (front, center) did not directly address the allegations in his post, instead issuing a general apology for ‘actions of my past’
Instead, Lacey wrote that he ‘developed a dependent and addictive relationship with sex’ early in his life, which led to a ‘consistent and terrible problem.’
‘Years ago, after admitting my habits and cheating to my then soon-to-be wife, I began to approach my problem in a serious way,’ he added.
‘I entered professional treatment, both in group therapy and individual counseling, and revealed the realities of what a terrible place I had gotten to in my life, and what a terrible impact my actions had on people.’
The accusations surfaced after a former guitar tech for Brand New, Brian Diaz, took to Facebook writing: ‘So while we are on the topic of outing famous and semi-famous creeps, anyone want to speak up about Jesse Lacey from Brand New?’
Explanation: In the post, Lacey claims to have already sought professional help for his ‘dependent and addictive relationship with sex’
Standing by: He admitted to being a ‘habitual cheater’ in relationships, including with his wife Andrea King (pictured)
The comments soon became littered with allegations, but one woman in particular stood out. Nicole Elizabeth Garey claimed that Lacey had solicited nude images from her when she was a minor and added that the singer ‘manipulated’ and ‘demeaned’ her as well as making her watch him masturbate on Skype.
‘It f***ed me up to the point that I STILL have nightmares and wake up in a sweat,’ she wrote. ‘I still breakdown and have panic attacks when people play Brand New in a bar. JESSE LACEY IS A PIECE OF S***.”
The reaction to the allegations was swift, with indie rock band Martha pulling out of an upcoming tour with the band, saying that they ‘support survivors always.’
In his statement, Lacey didn’t refer to Garey’s post, but admitted to being a ‘habitual cheater’ in relationships, including with his wife Andrea King, and apologized for using his ‘power’ as a famous musician, adding that sobriety was a step in changing his habits.
Trouble: The allegations against Lacey led to indie rock band Martha pulling out of a tour with Brand New and even one of the group’s touring musicians deciding to stay home as well
‘I am sorry for how often I have not afforded women the respect, support, or honesty that they deserved, and which is their right,’ he wrote.
‘I hope I can show humility, and that the pain I have caused people can heal. I am not above reproach, and no one should be.’
Shortly after the statement was issued, touring member of Brand New Kevin Devine announced that he wouldn’t be joining the band on their tour of the UK & Ireland this week.
‘I believe that it is critically important to really listen to & hear people who speak out about abuse of power and sexual misconduct,’ he wrote on Facebook, adding that he is ‘heartbroken’ for the alleged victim.
‘I hope that my friend continues to do what he needs to do to get and 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.’