Following the fallout surrounding the sexual misconduct claims against Burger Records, more artists are stepping forward about past toxic behaviour. The latest is now California punk band Culture Abuse, whose singer David Kelling has issued a statement saying "I have been guilty of similar behaviors."
Kelling took to his Instagram to pen a lengthy statement in efforts to address past wrongs.
In it, he states, "There are times in my life where I haven't been the best person, to say the absolute least. Growing up with a disability I process my feelings in some unhealthy ways. I had a lot of anger and frustration that caused me to lean on sex and drugs and manipulation to cope with depression and emotional issues instead of seeking real help. And I didn't stop to reflect on how my actions may have harmed people."
Kelling then goes on to write: "10 years ago I was 22 and slept with a 17-year-old. I led her on and pressured her and over time left the relationship without checking in on her feelings. Now come to find out it caused pain that she has had to deal with all the time. She did not deserve that in any way. We spoke on the phone today with both of our partners present and she said she accepted my apology, though she didn't have to."
UPDATE (7/23, 6 p.m. ET): The other members of Culture Abuse have also shared a statement, stating they are breaking up. You can also find that statement below, where they write "we have decided to no longer continue with this band."
You can read his full statement below.
There is no easy way of saying this. I have wanted to open up about it for a while, but didn't know how to really until now. I have to be completely honest and accountable. There are times in my life where I haven't been the best person, to say the absolute least. Growing up with a disability I process my feelings in some unhealthy ways. I had a lot of anger and frustration that caused me to lean on sex and drugs and manipulation to cope with depression and emotional issues instead of seeking real help. And I didn't stop to reflect on how my actions may have harmed people.
As these stories come up with how toxic the music scene has been, I have to recognize where I have been guilty of similar behaviors.
10 years ago I was 22 and slept with a 17-year-old. I led her on and pressured her and over time left the relationship without checking in on her feelings. Now come to find out it caused pain that she has had to deal with all the time. She did not deserve that in any way. We spoke on the phone today with both of our partners present and she said she accepted my apology, though she didn't have to.
But this is not the only instance where someone deserves an apology and this has not been the only time where I have acted without considering others emotions. The guilt I have felt has been overwhelming and I didn't know how to open up or go back and fix it on my own. Or to tell people I do not want to be put on a pedestal because I have been a fuck up that's trying to work on myself.
Three years ago I met my girlfriend and she's been pivotal in showing me the ways my behaviors are wrong and how to be a better partner and person. I've tried to grow as a person and love myself and treat the people in my life with empathy. I'm far from perfect, but I have been trying. And I've reflected and grappled with the angry younger person I was. I know this doesn't fix the past mistakes or excuse me from the work I know that I need to continue to do. I recognize that it is time that I find the help I need and do my best to right my wrongs. I am so sorry to anyone I have hurt. Nothing makes it better but I promise to try and do my part. If anyone wants to reach out PLEASE DO. I want to be better and I want to be fully accountable.
Kelling took to his Instagram to pen a lengthy statement in efforts to address past wrongs.
In it, he states, "There are times in my life where I haven't been the best person, to say the absolute least. Growing up with a disability I process my feelings in some unhealthy ways. I had a lot of anger and frustration that caused me to lean on sex and drugs and manipulation to cope with depression and emotional issues instead of seeking real help. And I didn't stop to reflect on how my actions may have harmed people."
Kelling then goes on to write: "10 years ago I was 22 and slept with a 17-year-old. I led her on and pressured her and over time left the relationship without checking in on her feelings. Now come to find out it caused pain that she has had to deal with all the time. She did not deserve that in any way. We spoke on the phone today with both of our partners present and she said she accepted my apology, though she didn't have to."
UPDATE (7/23, 6 p.m. ET): The other members of Culture Abuse have also shared a statement, stating they are breaking up. You can also find that statement below, where they write "we have decided to no longer continue with this band."
You can read his full statement below.
There is no easy way of saying this. I have wanted to open up about it for a while, but didn't know how to really until now. I have to be completely honest and accountable. There are times in my life where I haven't been the best person, to say the absolute least. Growing up with a disability I process my feelings in some unhealthy ways. I had a lot of anger and frustration that caused me to lean on sex and drugs and manipulation to cope with depression and emotional issues instead of seeking real help. And I didn't stop to reflect on how my actions may have harmed people.
As these stories come up with how toxic the music scene has been, I have to recognize where I have been guilty of similar behaviors.
10 years ago I was 22 and slept with a 17-year-old. I led her on and pressured her and over time left the relationship without checking in on her feelings. Now come to find out it caused pain that she has had to deal with all the time. She did not deserve that in any way. We spoke on the phone today with both of our partners present and she said she accepted my apology, though she didn't have to.
But this is not the only instance where someone deserves an apology and this has not been the only time where I have acted without considering others emotions. The guilt I have felt has been overwhelming and I didn't know how to open up or go back and fix it on my own. Or to tell people I do not want to be put on a pedestal because I have been a fuck up that's trying to work on myself.
Three years ago I met my girlfriend and she's been pivotal in showing me the ways my behaviors are wrong and how to be a better partner and person. I've tried to grow as a person and love myself and treat the people in my life with empathy. I'm far from perfect, but I have been trying. And I've reflected and grappled with the angry younger person I was. I know this doesn't fix the past mistakes or excuse me from the work I know that I need to continue to do. I recognize that it is time that I find the help I need and do my best to right my wrongs. I am so sorry to anyone I have hurt. Nothing makes it better but I promise to try and do my part. If anyone wants to reach out PLEASE DO. I want to be better and I want to be fully accountable.
