Hookworms Split Following Abuse Allegations Against Frontman Matthew Johnson
Thursday, 01 November 2018
Written by Huw Baines
Hookworms have split after allegations of abuse were levelled at frontman Matthew Johnson, also known as MJ (pictured second from left).
Johnson has denied the allegations, which were posted to social media by Alanna McArdle, the former vocalist of Joanna Gruesome, on behalf of a woman identified as ‘L’. The statement details alleged “horrific abuse”, including sexual assault, suffered during a relationship 'L' had with Johnson in 2016. You can read McArdle’s post here.
In a statement, Johnson wrote: “I deny, and always will deny, the allegations that were posted yesterday.” His bandmates in Hookworms, meanwhile, have confirmed the dissolution of the group and the cancellation of their forthcoming tour dates.
“We’re deeply shocked by the allegations that came to light yesterday regarding MJ and take them very seriously,” they said. “As a result we have cancelled all upcoming Hookworms shows and can no longer continue as a band.”
They added: “We ask that you please try to be respectful of the fact that this is a matter for MJ as an individual, external to the band, and that other members of Hookworms, their collaborators, various agents and record labels had no prior knowledge of the allegation before it went public yesterday and we are still coming to terms with the news.”
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