Arcade Fire singer Win Butler denies sexual misconduct allegations from four people while admitting to consensual encounters: ‘Sorry for the pain I caused’-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro

Win Butler has vehemently denied the allegations (Picture: Getty Images)

Arcade Fire rocker Win Butler has spoken out to deny allegations of sexual misconduct from four people. 

In a new report, three women have come forward to accuse the Reflektor singer of having sexual interactions with them which they felt were inappropriate due to the age gap between them; Butler was aged 34-39 when the incidents allegedly happened between 2015 and 2020, while the women were aged 18-23. 

One fourth person, who is gender-fluid individual and uses they/them pronouns, alleged Butler sexually assaulted them twice in 2015 when they were 21 years old. 

Butler, 42, has been married to his Arcade Fire bandmate Régine Chassange since 2003 and they share a nine-year-old son. 

The musician has addressed the allegations in a lengthy statement denying the allegations of sexual misconduct, insisting the encounters were consensual. 

‘I love Régine with all of my heart,’ Butler began in the statement shared with Pitchfork, who originally published the allegations.

The musician is being accused by four people who were Arcade Fire fans (Picture: FilmMagic)

Butler’s wife Régine Chassagne has said she is standing by him (Picture: Getty Images)

‘We have been together for twenty years, she is my partner in music and in life, my soulmate and I am lucky and grateful to have her by my side. But at times, it has been difficult to balance being the father, husband, and bandmate that I want to be. Today I want to clear the air about my life, poor judgement, and mistakes I have made.’ 

He stated: ‘I have had consensual relationships outside of my marriage.

‘There is no easy way to say this, and the hardest thing I have ever done is having to share this with my son. The majority of these relationships were short lived, and my wife is aware – our marriage has, in the past, been more unconventional than some. I have connected with people in person, at shows, and through social media, and I have shared messages of which I am not proud. Most importantly, every single one of these interactions has been mutual and always between consenting adults. It is deeply revisionist, and frankly just wrong, for anyone to suggest otherwise.’ 

Butler continued: ‘I have never touched a woman against her will, and any implication that I have is simply false. I vehemently deny any suggestion that I forced myself on a woman or demanded sexual favors. That simply, and unequivocally, never happened. While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour. Life is filled with tremendous pain and error, and I never want to be part of causing someone else’s pain.’ 

Butler is the frontman of Arcade Fire (Picture: Getty Images)

Butler performs in Arcade Fire alongside wife Regine (Picture: Redferns)

The American-Canadian singer went on to detail the struggles in his personal life, including ‘long struggles’ with mental health issues and the ‘ghosts of childhood abuse’, but insisted he wasn’t making excuses.

He said: ‘In my 30s, I started drinking as I dealt with the heaviest depression of my life after our family experienced a miscarriage. None of this is intended to excuse my behaviour, but I do want to give some context and share what was happening in my life around this time…’ 

He concluded: ‘I say to you all my friends, family, to anyone I have hurt and to the people who love my music and are shocked and disappointed by this report: I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the pain I caused – I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I f***** up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences. I can do better and I will do better.’ 

Butler’s wife Régine made it clear she was aware of her husband’s allegedly consensual relations, and that she would be standing by him. 

‘Win is my soulmate, my songwriting partner, my husband, the father of my beautiful boy. He has been my partner in life and in music for 20 years. And for all of the love in our lives, I have also watched him suffer through immense pain.

‘I have stood by him because I know he is a good man who cares about this world, our band, his fans, friends, and our family. I’ve known Win since before we were ‘famous,’ when we were just ordinary college students.’ 

She added: ‘I know what is in his heart, and I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did. He has lost his way and he has found his way back. I love him and love the life we have created together.’ 

One of Butler’s accusers said she attempted suicide after an alleged sexual encounter with the singer, and showed a friend images he had reportedly sent her of his genitals. Responding to the claim, Butler said the woman reached out to him a year later and said she ‘wanted to sext again, which we did’. 

The publication claims to have reviewed screenshots, text messages and other material from those involved in the allegations.

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