Baltimore pop-punk outfit All Time Low have issued a statement in response to the allegations levelled against guitarist Jack Barakat in a viral TikTok video.
Lauded as somehow managing to be among the few seemingly decent guys in a pop-punk scene awoken by the #MeToo Movement, the band's reputation is the latest to begin unravelling. However, they remain adamant that the accusations of any "inappropriate behaviour" with underage girls are "absolutely and unequivocally false."
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
In a statement issued on social media today, Barakat, frontman Alex Gaskarth, bassist Zack Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson responded as a group.
Though they did not specify the nature of any of the allegations, they mentioned a TikTok video posted earlier this month — alluding to "inappropriate behaviour" within their camp — that has since gained even more traction. All Time Low explained that they'd previously chosen not to respond "because of the glaring inconsistencies in the story."
The band expressed concern that responding earlier might have "elevated and escalated" what they called an "outright lie." They felt it would have "robbed actual victims of abuse of their very real and very important collective voice."
"We stand with victims. We have only ever wanted to cultivate and nurture a culture around our shows and band that is welcoming, healthy and safe," they continued in the statement. "It is with that in mind that we have to state with outright certainty that what is being said about us is completely and utterly false."
The group added that they're investigating the source of the allegations and seeking legal recourse, concluding:
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 utmost importance to us that you know we hear you, we stand with victims and we stand collectively for the truth.
TikTok user mini.grew didn't name names in her since-deleted video, which appears with the text, "Me telling everyone how a famous pop punk band let me on their bus when I was 13 and people tell me how nice it was of them .-." — but she made reference to some of All Time Low's song titles like "Poppin' Champagne" and "Kids in the Dark" when replying to comments.
Lauded as somehow managing to be among the few seemingly decent guys in a pop-punk scene awoken by the #MeToo Movement, the band's reputation is the latest to begin unravelling. However, they remain adamant that the accusations of any "inappropriate behaviour" with underage girls are "absolutely and unequivocally false."
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
In a statement issued on social media today, Barakat, frontman Alex Gaskarth, bassist Zack Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson responded as a group.
Though they did not specify the nature of any of the allegations, they mentioned a TikTok video posted earlier this month — alluding to "inappropriate behaviour" within their camp — that has since gained even more traction. All Time Low explained that they'd previously chosen not to respond "because of the glaring inconsistencies in the story."
The band expressed concern that responding earlier might have "elevated and escalated" what they called an "outright lie." They felt it would have "robbed actual victims of abuse of their very real and very important collective voice."
"We stand with victims. We have only ever wanted to cultivate and nurture a culture around our shows and band that is welcoming, healthy and safe," they continued in the statement. "It is with that in mind that we have to state with outright certainty that what is being said about us is completely and utterly false."
The group added that they're investigating the source of the allegations and seeking legal recourse, concluding:
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 utmost importance to us that you know we hear you, we stand with victims and we stand collectively for the truth.
TikTok user mini.grew didn't name names in her since-deleted video, which appears with the text, "Me telling everyone how a famous pop punk band let me on their bus when I was 13 and people tell me how nice it was of them .-." — but she made reference to some of All Time Low's song titles like "Poppin' Champagne" and "Kids in the Dark" when replying to comments.
A now-suspended Twitter account also posted a lengthy claim from a fan about a relationship Barakat allegedly pursued with her while she was underage. The statement detailed accounts of sexual abuse, grooming and soliciting nude photos. Screenshots of the statement are still being circulated in spite of the account's suspension.
"While the four of us wrote this statement together, I feel the need to personally refute the claims being made against me and us, as they are 100% false," Barakat added in a tweet of his own.
Read the full statement from the band below.
All Time Low were among the acts scheduled to play Drake's Toronto venue History this month ahead of opening delays.
