Canadian musician Feist has dropped out of support for the current Arcade Fire tour following allegations of sexual misconduct against the band’s frontman Wynn Butler.
The singer-songwriter said the decision was “incredibly difficult” and that she “choosed to distance herself from this tour (but not this conversation).”
This comes after Butler received sexual misconduct accusations from four people, first reported by US music publication Pitchfork on Saturday.
— Feist (@FeistMusic) September 1, 2022
In two statements to Pitchfork, Butler denied the allegations and said his sexual relations with the four were consensual.
Arcade Fire recently launched a major European tour and Feist supported them on the first two dates in Dublin, Ireland on August 30th and 31st.
However, in a lengthy post on social media, Feist, whose full name is Leslie Feist and is known primarily as Feist, explained that she was “going home claiming my responsibilities now.”
“I read the same headline as you after rehearsing with the band in a Dublin pub.
“There was no time to prepare for what was to come, let alone an opportunity to decide not to jump across the ocean into the belly of this situation.
“This has been incredibly difficult for me and I can only imagine how difficult it has been for those who have come forward. Above all, I wish everyone involved a speedy recovery.”
Feist said the situation sparked a conversation “bigger than my or her songs” and “bigger than any rock and roll tour”.
“Staying on the tour symbolizes my defending or ignoring the damage caused by Win Butler, and leaving means I am the judge and jury.”
She continues:
“I’ve always written songs to name my own subtle difficulties, strive to be the best version of myself, and claim responsibility when necessary.
“And I will now claim my responsibilities and go home.”
We reached out to Arcade Fire for comment.
