Via a post on their social media, Tempe, AZ’s Rumspringer have announced that they have parted ways with drummer Mikey Wretch over allegations of emotional and physical abuse.
You can read the content of the post below, as well as a link to the post itself underneath.
This is shitty as hell but long overdue as we do not accept this behavior in any way shape or form and must draw attention to it to avert any further harm from being done. Our bandmate Mikey has had vague accusations of being a sexual predator lingering over his head for years and as more information has come to light, it is clear he is a compulsive liar, sexual predator, and serial abuser. He has been physically and emotionally abusive, harassed and intimidated others, and exhibited a pattern of manipulative behavior that we can no longer stay silent about. To all the survivors of his abuse who have shared their stories, under conditions of anonymity, we hear and believe you, and are willing to do whatever it takes to prevent further abuses. In the total absence of accountability coming directly from him, it is up to the people he was once closest with to speak up and acknowledge both culpability and a responsibility to ensure that we do everything we can to prevent these actions from hurting anyone else now and in the future. We have seen this behavior first hand, and been on the receiving end of his harassment. Our band had served as coverage for him, and we apologize that it was misused to perpetuate this disgusting behavior. This is on all of us who knew and prioritized our own comfort by staying silent. We are committed to doing better.
The remaining members do not indicate what, if any direction they will take following the above announcement.
This is a developing story, and additional information may become available as more details come to light.
the white drew carey (aka – Jeff Sorley) is the founder and head editor of TGEFM. He’s lived (outside of) Chicago, Madison WI, (ugh) Penn State, Lyon FR, Oxford UK, central New Jersey, and now within earshot of SFO in the Bay Area. When not scouring the web for more great bands and labels to post about, he also spends time drawing (mostly) silly sci-fi and anime stuff under the name Asplenia Studios.
