This week, serious allegations were brought against Suicide Silence vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida, who was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor. Now, the frontman has issued a formal statement regarding the allegations.
As previously reported, a woman named Verena Celis claimed the vocalist solicited nude photographs from her while she was 17 years old and Hermida was 32. She also alleged he sent unsolicited nudes of his own while she was at school and at family dinners. The alleged incidents happened in 2015 and 2016.
"He made me feel worthless and like I never meant anything to him, but I know he was just afraid for some reason," she wrote. "This statement is not about bashing the band in its entirety, because I still love the others as much as 6 years ago. I still support them. Just not Eddie anymore. Please, if you are underage and a band member is hitting on you, speak up. You're not alone. I promise."
Now Hermida has taken to Suicide Silence's Facebook page to address the allegations, writing, "I apologize, first and foremost, to Verena, that she feels hurt, manipulated, and otherwise distressed by any of our past communication. I want to apologize to the people who support my work as a musician (both the fans and behind the scenes) for the discomfort, distrust, and damage these allegations have caused."
He also added, "Most importantly, I would ask the music community to abstain from ridiculing, ostracizing, or otherwise harassing this young woman. It's difficult enough for women to come forward with allegations about the behavior of men under any circumstances."
You can read Hermida's full statement below:
As previously reported, a woman named Verena Celis claimed the vocalist solicited nude photographs from her while she was 17 years old and Hermida was 32. She also alleged he sent unsolicited nudes of his own while she was at school and at family dinners. The alleged incidents happened in 2015 and 2016.
"He made me feel worthless and like I never meant anything to him, but I know he was just afraid for some reason," she wrote. "This statement is not about bashing the band in its entirety, because I still love the others as much as 6 years ago. I still support them. Just not Eddie anymore. Please, if you are underage and a band member is hitting on you, speak up. You're not alone. I promise."
Now Hermida has taken to Suicide Silence's Facebook page to address the allegations, writing, "I apologize, first and foremost, to Verena, that she feels hurt, manipulated, and otherwise distressed by any of our past communication. I want to apologize to the people who support my work as a musician (both the fans and behind the scenes) for the discomfort, distrust, and damage these allegations have caused."
He also added, "Most importantly, I would ask the music community to abstain from ridiculing, ostracizing, or otherwise harassing this young woman. It's difficult enough for women to come forward with allegations about the behavior of men under any circumstances."
You can read Hermida's full statement below: