Last week, Ian Watkins, frontman of the Welsh alt-rock outfit Lostprophets, pled guilty to multiple horrific sex crime charges with children under the age of 13, including attempting to rape a baby. Now, Watkins's former bandmates have come forward to discuss their frontman's unbelievable deeds.
In a statement, former Lostprophets members Jamie Oliver, Lee Gaze, Luke Johnson, Mike Chiplin and Luke Johnson explained that, though they performed with Watkins for many years, they had no clue about the heinous crimes Watkins was committing. They go on to explain that his actions will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Here's the statement in full:
Earlier this week, we learned that the allegations of child sexual abuse against Ian were true, and that he would not be contesting them in court. Until then, we found them extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake. Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny.
Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: We did not.
We knew that Ian was a difficult character. Our personal relationships with him had deteriorated in recent years to a point that working together was a constant, miserable challenge. But despite his battles with drugs, his egotistic behaviour, and the resulting fractures and frustrations within our band, we never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted.
We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Being in a band has always been a labour of love and a platform to inspire people, not to take advantage of them. It's still hard to believe this is happening and that someone we were once so close to has destroyed so many lives, lying every step of the way.
Our hearts go out to Ian's family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them. We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he's done. We would urge any other victims to contact the authorities.
Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu
Ian Watkins is due to be sentenced on December 18.
In a statement, former Lostprophets members Jamie Oliver, Lee Gaze, Luke Johnson, Mike Chiplin and Luke Johnson explained that, though they performed with Watkins for many years, they had no clue about the heinous crimes Watkins was committing. They go on to explain that his actions will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Here's the statement in full:
Earlier this week, we learned that the allegations of child sexual abuse against Ian were true, and that he would not be contesting them in court. Until then, we found them extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake. Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny.
Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: We did not.
We knew that Ian was a difficult character. Our personal relationships with him had deteriorated in recent years to a point that working together was a constant, miserable challenge. But despite his battles with drugs, his egotistic behaviour, and the resulting fractures and frustrations within our band, we never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted.
We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Being in a band has always been a labour of love and a platform to inspire people, not to take advantage of them. It's still hard to believe this is happening and that someone we were once so close to has destroyed so many lives, lying every step of the way.
Our hearts go out to Ian's family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them. We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he's done. We would urge any other victims to contact the authorities.
Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu
Ian Watkins is due to be sentenced on December 18.