Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple people. The allegations made to Pitchfork include unwanted touching, unwelcome explicit messaging, and sexual encounters that they considered inappropriate given the age differences and power dynamics.
Butler has responded, acknowledging that the encounters took place and that he is "not proud" of his behaviour, but denied assault and said that the relationships were consensual. His wife, Régine Chassagne, has also responded.
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.
The incidents took place between 2015 and 2020, during which time Butler was between 34 and 39 years old; the people who have come forward were between 18 and 23 at the time.
One person alleges that Butler touched them without consent in 2015; this was followed by an allegedly forceful encounter in an apartment a few days later. Butler offered a different account of these events, saying he never acted without consent.
The other incidents took place in the following years. The three women involved were Arcade Fire fans who had Instagram exchanges with Butler, who then began sexting them, allegedly against their wishes. One of these interactions developed into in-person sex, and the woman says she experienced depression and attempted suicide as a result. Pitchfork viewed screenshots of the messages between Butler and the women.
An additional fourth person acknowledged that she had an in-person sexual encounter with Butler, saying that it was consensual but had an unequal power dynamic where she felt she "couldn't say no."
In a response to Pitchfork, Butler said, "I have never touched a woman against her will, and any implication that I have is simply false." He said that he dealt with drinking and depression in his 30s, and said, "While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour." He said his marriage with Chassagne "has, in the past, been more unconventional than some."
Chassagne also gave a statement, saying that she believed Butler had never touched anyone without their consent. "He has lost his way and he has found his way back," she said.
Read the full report at Pitchfork.
Butler has responded, acknowledging that the encounters took place and that he is "not proud" of his behaviour, but denied assault and said that the relationships were consensual. His wife, Régine Chassagne, has also responded.
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.
The incidents took place between 2015 and 2020, during which time Butler was between 34 and 39 years old; the people who have come forward were between 18 and 23 at the time.
One person alleges that Butler touched them without consent in 2015; this was followed by an allegedly forceful encounter in an apartment a few days later. Butler offered a different account of these events, saying he never acted without consent.
The other incidents took place in the following years. The three women involved were Arcade Fire fans who had Instagram exchanges with Butler, who then began sexting them, allegedly against their wishes. One of these interactions developed into in-person sex, and the woman says she experienced depression and attempted suicide as a result. Pitchfork viewed screenshots of the messages between Butler and the women.
An additional fourth person acknowledged that she had an in-person sexual encounter with Butler, saying that it was consensual but had an unequal power dynamic where she felt she "couldn't say no."
In a response to Pitchfork, Butler said, "I have never touched a woman against her will, and any implication that I have is simply false." He said that he dealt with drinking and depression in his 30s, and said, "While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour." He said his marriage with Chassagne "has, in the past, been more unconventional than some."
Chassagne also gave a statement, saying that she believed Butler had never touched anyone without their consent. "He has lost his way and he has found his way back," she said.
Read the full report at Pitchfork.
