When Anti-Flag broke up last week, they really leaned into brevity. After more than three decades together, the Pittsburgh political punks offered nothing more than a Patreon memo saying they had disbanded. However, fans on Reddit speculated that the timing between the announcement and the latest episode drop from enough., a podcast about abuse in the music industry, was suspicious.
Now, the band have confirmed that Kristina Sarhadi's rape allegations against the unnamed singer of an unnamed punk band were indeed the reason for their disbandment. Former lead singer Justin Sane has also denied said allegations, stemming from an assault Sarhadi claimed took place 10 years ago.
"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," the other three members of the quartet — Pat Thetic, Chris "No. 2" Barker and Chris Head — said in a statement [via BrooklynVegan].
"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."
They added, "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."
Sane, born Justin Geever, reiterated that the "categorically false" allegations were the reason for Anti-Flag announcing their breakup. "In regard to Anti-Flag disbanding, as a band, the decision was made that under these circumstances it would be impossible to continue," the vocalist said.
Read Sane's statement in full below.
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 devastating 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.
Now, the band have confirmed that Kristina Sarhadi's rape allegations against the unnamed singer of an unnamed punk band were indeed the reason for their disbandment. Former lead singer Justin Sane has also denied said allegations, stemming from an assault Sarhadi claimed took place 10 years ago.
"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," the other three members of the quartet — Pat Thetic, Chris "No. 2" Barker and Chris Head — said in a statement [via BrooklynVegan].
"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."
They added, "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."
Sane, born Justin Geever, reiterated that the "categorically false" allegations were the reason for Anti-Flag announcing their breakup. "In regard to Anti-Flag disbanding, as a band, the decision was made that under these circumstances it would be impossible to continue," the vocalist said.
Read Sane's statement in full below.
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 devastating 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.