Entertainment
All Time Low deny sexual assault allegations: ‘We stand collectively for truth’
(L-R) Jack Barakat, Zack Merrick, Rian Dawson, and Alex Gaskarth issued a joint statement (Picture: Getty Images for CBS Radio Inc.)
All Time Low have denied sexual assault allegations levelled against them, describing the claims as ‘absolutely and unequivocally false’.
The band, made up of frontman Alex Gaskarth, guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson, all 33, issued a joint statement on social media.
The statement came after allegations about Barakat circulated social media.
One anonymous Twitter user accused the guitarist of sexual assault and claimed Barakat ‘took advantage’ of them a week after their 15th birthday.
It begins: ‘The allegations being brought against us are absolutely and unequivocally false.
‘When a TikTok video gained traction a few weeks ago alluding to inappropriate behaviour within our camp, we chose not to respond due to the glaring inconsistencies in the story, and the apparent reluctance to mention us by name.
‘We felt that a response would have elevated and escalated an outright lie, and in doing so, robbed actual victims of abuse of their very real and very important collective voice.
‘We believe victims. We have only ever wanted to cultivate and nurture a culture around our shows and a band that is welcoming, healthy, and safe.’
Allegations about Barakat circulated Twitter (Picture: Getty Images)
The band went on to say that ‘what is being said about us is completely and utterly false’, and that they are ‘seeking legal recourse’.
The statement goes on: ‘We appreciate and truly never take for granted the platform that you have granted us by supporting our band and us as individuals over the years. We cannot overstate how much we respect and cherish the sanctity of the fanbase and the connections we’ve made with you through the years.’
It concludes: ‘It is difficult and disheartening to have to make this statement knowing that the allegations against our camp are completely unfounded and false. But at this point it is of the upmost [sic] importance to us that you know we hear you, we stand with victims, and we stand collectively for truth.
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‘Sincerely and with love, Alex, Jack, Rian & Zack.’
All Time Low formed in 2003, and released their most recent album, Wake Up Sunshine, in April 2020.
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