Hedley taken off Junos program, says sexual misconduct claims ‘unsubstantiated’
Posted February 14, 2018 11:38 am.
Last Updated February 14, 2018 2:44 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO (NEWS 1130) – Canadian rockers Hedley say recent allegations of sexual misconduct are “unsubstantiated.”
The band has posted a message on Facebook to address claims of sexual misconduct involving young fans that emerged on Twitter in recent days.
The Vancouver band’s statement says “there was a time, in the past” when they engaged in “a lifestyle that incorporated certain rock ‘n’ roll cliches.”
However, the group says “there was always a line that we would never cross.”
The statement says the band, which is currently on tour in Canada, “will be evaluating some of our next steps.”
“We appreciate the bravery of those who have come forward with their own stories, and we realize that all of us, as individuals and as a society, can and must do better when it comes to this issue,” reads the statement.
“However, if we are to have a meaningful, open and honest discussion, we all have to accept and respect that there are at least two sides to every story. The recent allegations against us posted on social media are simply unsubstantiated and have not been validated. We would hope that people will bear-in-mind the context in which these unsupported accusations have been made before passing judgment on us as individuals or as a band.”
Several allegations surfaced online under the hashtag “#OutHedley2k18”, with some women accusing members of propositioning them when they were as young as 14 years old.
The group, fronted by Jacob Hoggard and including Dave Rosin, Tommy Mac and Jay Benison, is up for three awards at this year’s Juno Awards.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences now says Hedley will no longer perform at this year’s event.
A statement says the decision was reached with the band after accusations were posted online. Some social media users had called for the Junos to drop the band from the upcoming show.
“We are aware of the serious allegations regarding Hedley and we are following this situation very closely,” Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The Juno Awards and MusiCounts said in an email to NEWS 1130.
