Lead singer and guitarist of Montreal band Arcade Fire, Win Butler, is facing allegations of inappropriate sexual interactions with four people, Pitchfork reported on Saturday.
Three women who were between the ages of 18 and 23 at the start of their interactions with the musician testified to their experiences which allegedly took place during overlapping periods from 2016 to 2020, when the man was between 36 and 39 years old.
According to them, these interactions would have been inappropriate because of the age gap, but also of the power dynamics and the context in which these relations would have occurred.
A fourth person, who identifies as “gender-fluid,” said Win Butler sexually assaulted her twice in 2015 when he was 21 and he was 34, according to Pitchfork.
Reached to comment on the allegations against him, Win Butler admitted, through public relations expert Risa Heller, to having had sex with each of the four people. However, he assured that these interactions were consensual and that he was not at the origin. Régine Chassagne, member of the group and spouse of the musician, supported Win Butler’s comment in a written statement sent to the media.
“I know what’s in his heart, and I know he never has, and never will, touch a woman without her consent, and I’m sure he never has,” is it possible to read.
In a second statement provided to “Pitchfork,” Win Butler repeatedly apologizes for a period of drinking and depression when re-addressing the allegations.
“Although these relationships were all consensual, I am truly sorry to anyone I have hurt through my behavior,” he wrote. “Looking to the future, I continue to learn from my mistakes and work hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of. […] I’m sorry that I haven’t been more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I screwed up, and while that’s no excuse, I’ll keep looking forward. ‘before and to heal what can be healed, and to learn from past experiences.’