Anti-Flag quietly broke up last week via a message on Patreon as sexual assault allegations against frontman Justin Sane surfaced. Now both Anti-Flag and Sane have issued statements on the matter, with Anti-Flag saying they believe all survivors of sexual violence and abuse, though they mention they never directly saw Sane doing anything questionable or terrible.
"A core tenet of the band Anti-Flag is to listen to and believe all survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The recent allegations about Justin are in direct contradiction to that tenet. Therefore, we felt the only immediate option was to disband. We have been shocked, confused, saddened and absolutely heartbroken from the moment we heard these allegations.
"While we believe this is extremely serious, in the last 30 years we have never seen Justin be violent or aggressive toward women. This experience has shaken us to our core. We understand and apologize that this response may not have been quick enough for some people. This is new territory for all of us and it is taking time for us to process the situation. It was a privilege for us to be in the band Anti-Flag, as we seek to find our path forward we wish healing to all survivors. Chris, Chris, and Pat"
Sane has also commented on the matter, saying "the decision was made that under these circumstances [of alleged sexual assault] it would be impossible to continue."
"Recently, there have been claims of sexual assault made against me and I can tell you that these stories are categorically false. I have never engaged in a sexual relationship that was not consensual, nor have I ever been approached by a woman after a sexual encounter and been told I had in any way acted without her consent or violated her in any way. Now that I have had a few days to absorb the initial shock, I am making this statement to set the record straight.
"Sexual assault is real and has a devasting impact on victims. I have devoted my entire adult life to standing up for these victims as well as those suffering oppression and inequality, who are victimized, demeaned, and abused. I have always been, and will always be, that person. The statements being told about me are the antithesis of what I believe and how I have conducted myself throughout my life.
"In regard to Anti-Flag disbanding, as a band, the decision was made that under these circumstances it would be impossible to continue.
"I want to thank my family and friends, and the many, many fans, musicians, and bands who have reached out to me to offer their support and help."
