South African deathcore outfit Vulvodynia is having a reasonably tough week. After allegations of sexual assault surfaced on-line in opposition to their new vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, Bittenbender has now left the band’s present tour because of the allegations.
Initially addressing the scenario on November sixth, Metallic Injection reported that Vulvodynia launched the next assertion on Fb: “We’re conscious of the intense allegations which have not too long ago surfaced on-line involving considered one of our members. We all know how distressing and emotional this sort of information might be, and we perceive that many individuals in our neighborhood are reacting strongly to it. We need to make it clear that we’re taking this matter very critically. Out of respect for everybody concerned, and to make sure that the scenario is dealt with pretty and responsibly, we will likely be permitting the suitable authorized {and professional} channels to take their course earlier than making any additional remark.”
Bittenbender launched his personal assertion on Instagram tales: “Lately, false and deeply hurtful statements have been made about me on-line. I need to handle this instantly and clearly. The allegations being unfold about me are fully unfaithful. I didn’t commit the act I’m being accused of, and I’ve by no means been charged with or investigated for such against the law.
Sadly, these claims have resurfaced a number of instances over time and have precipitated pointless hurt to my private {and professional} life. I’ve remained silent out of respect for privateness and since I believed the reality would converse for itself. Nonetheless, the continued unfold of those falsehoods has left me no alternative however to talk publicly.
I’ve 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I really like dearly, and being accused of harming a girl is one thing I’m fully incapable o,f and those that know me and my character know that I’d by no means do such a factor. I take issues like this very critically and have all the time carried out myself with integrity and respect towards others. Those that know me personally and professionally know the reality about my character.
I’m taking applicable authorized {and professional} steps to deal with this defamation and harassment. I can’t interact additional on social media about this matter. I really feel as if making false allegations of one thing as severe as that is taking away from what actual victims have skilled and gone by means of, and my coronary heart goes out to them.
Thanks to those that have reached out with assist or concern. I respect your understanding as I deal with this example by means of the correct channels.”
Now, only a few quick days later, it has been introduced that Zion Bittenbender is now not becoming a member of Vulvodynia on tour, a job that he took to permit guitarist Lwandile Prusent to step again from vocal duties, which Prusent will now need to resume. The latest assertion about Bittenbender‘s absence got here from the tour was posted to Vulvodynia‘s Instagram and is as follows:
“Following the latest allegations circulating on-line involving our vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, we need to present an replace concerning our touring plans.
After cautious dialogue, Zion will likely be returning dwelling from our present tour in Asia to concentrate on addressing these issues by means of the suitable authorized channels. Dealing with this responsibly can be extraordinarily troublesome whereas persevering with to tour internationally, so this resolution has been made in everybody’s finest pursuits.
Lwandile Prusent, who initially fronted Vulvodynia and has since been acting on guitar, will resume vocal duties for the remained of 2025 to make sure our commitments are fulfilled.
We respect everybody’s understanding and assist whereas this example is dealt with correctly and respectfully.”
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