Thai metalcore band Annalynn is ending their 20-plus year career on a pretty fucked up note. Back in July, vocalist Nathaphon "Bon" Jutathaveewan revealed he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. A fundraiser was launched in conjunction with Annalynn's record label Greyscale Records to help Jutathaveewan with his medical bills, as the fundraiser noted "due to the health system in Thailand, there is no insurance at all that pay the upcoming things that are necessary to help him."
Except that was all bullshit. Jutathaveewan has now issued a statement saying he never had cancer and that he lied to everyone for money. In the statement, Jutathaveewan notes his problems stem from "personal financial struggles, including debts from illegal loans and poor business decisions that I failed to manage over the years" and he fakes cancer to help pay them back.
Jutathaveewan notes that he acted alone and that both Annalynn and Greyscale Records had no knowledge of the situation. Unsurprisingly, everyone in Annalynn has distanced themselves from Jutathaveewan.
"I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to everyone for everything that has transpired, especially for both the deception around my health issues and the false claims that were made," wrote Jutathaveewan. "I deeply regret my actions and fully accept responsibility for the mistakes I have made. I am truly sorry for the harm and distress this has caused.
"The problems I have faced stemmed from personal financial struggles, including debts from illegal loans and poor business decisions that I failed to manage over the years. The situation escalated to the point where I couldn't see a way out, and I was placed under immense pressure, both financially and personally, which led to the mistakes I made.
"Unfortunately, I have betrayed the trust and kindness that so many of you have shown me. My poor decisions have impacted not only my own life but also the lives of others around me, and I deeply regret that.
"I WANT TO CLARIFY THAT NO ONE ELSE—BE IT THE MUSIC LABEL, FRIENDS, MY FAMILY, OR MY BANDMATES—WAS INVOLVED IN THESE ISSUES.
"I am now facing the consequences of my choices and have learned invaluable lessons from this experience. I am committed to doing everything in my power to make things right and resolve the situation as quickly as possible. I understand that my words cannot undo the damage that has been done, but I want to humbly ask for your forgiveness. I am truly sorry for the pain and inconvenience my actions have caused, and I am deeply remorseful for the trust I have broken."
In part, Annalynn notes they've "suspended all activities, including performances, merchandise sales, and any use of the band's name in any capacity" and are willing to help anyone that got conned by Jutathaveewan: "If anyone has been affected by these actions, please reach out to the band for assistance."
"We, as the remaining members of Annalynn, deeply regret the pain and distress caused by Bon's actions. We understand the trust and support our fans, friends, and collaborators have placed in us over the years, and we are heartbroken that this trust was misused by someone we considered a brother. To everyone who was affected whether emotionally, financially, or otherwise we extend our sincerest apologies and condolences. While we had no involvement in these actions, we share the burden of responsibility for not identifying and addressing the issue sooner.
"We are committed to assisting anyone who was impacted and will do our best to provide clarity and support as we navigate this difficult time. The four of us are deeply saddened and disappointed by Bon's actions. We sincerely thank everyone who has supported Annalynn throughout the years."
