Canadian singer Jacob Hoggard released the following statement in February in response to sexual misconduct allegations reported in the media:
‘It’s time to speak for myself, as I should have done from the beginning.
‘In the face of multiple allegations, I have to speak-out and address these concerns.
‘I need to be completely clear: I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual behaviour in my life. Ever.
‘However, over the last 13 years, I have behaved in a way that objectified women.
‘The way I’ve treated women was reckless and dismissive of their feelings. I understand the significant harn that is caused not only to the women I interacted with, but to all women who are degrated by this type of behaviour. I have been careless and indifferent and I have no excuse. For this I am truly sorry.
‘To my many female fans, I want you to know that you deserve nothing but dignity and respect from every man in your life.
‘To the people that have always had faith in me, and the institutions and organizations that believed in me, I am so sorry for letting you down. I promise to work every day to regain your respect. I know it won’t happen overnight.
‘I was given a position of leadership and power and I mishandled it. I will regret this for the rest of my life. I’ve let down my family, my friends, and so many fans. I’m so sorry.
‘It’s time for me to change. I’ve decided to step away from my career indefinitely. I will honour my commitments to this tour, then will be taking a serious step back in order to make real changes in my life, seek guideance from my family and continue to grow and learn from the amazing women in my life. I’m asking for a chance to prove that I can be the man you thought I was, the man I was raised to be.’