Arcade Fire singer Win Butler has denied involvement in the multiple sexual misconduct allegations made against him.
Multiple women have accused the 42-year-old of having inappropriate sexual interactions with them between 2015 and 2020.
The woman say they were aged between 18 and 23, at the time.
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One person also alleged that Butler sexually assaulted them twice in 2015 when they were 21 years old.
However, the musician denies any wrongdoing and claimed that 'every single one of these interactions has been mutual and always between consenting adults'.
"I vehemently deny any suggestion that I forced myself on a woman or demanded sexual favours. That simply, and unequivocally, never happened," he added.
Butler’s wife Régine has also stood by her husband and claims: "I know what is in his heart, and I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did."
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In a full statement provided to Pitchfork, Butler wrote: "I love Régine with all of my heart. We have been together for twenty years, she is my partner in music and in life, my soulmate and I am lucky and grateful to have her by my side.
"But at times, it has been difficult to balance being the father, husband, and bandmate that I want to be. Today I want to clear the air about my life, poor judgment, and mistakes I have made.
"I have had consensual relationships outside of my marriage.
"There is no easy way to say this, and the hardest thing I have ever done is having to share this with my son. The majority of these relationships were short lived, and my wife is aware – our marriage has, in the past, been more unconventional than some.
"I have connected with people in person, at shows, and through social media, and I have shared messages of which I am not proud. Most importantly, every single one of these interactions has been mutual and always between consenting adults.
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"It is deeply revisionist, and frankly just wrong, for anyone to suggest otherwise.
"I have never touched a woman against her will, and any implication that I have is simply false. I vehemently deny any suggestion that I forced myself on a woman or demanded sexual favours. That simply, and unequivocally, never happened.
"While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour.
"Life is filled with tremendous pain and error, and I never want to be part of causing someone else’s pain.
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"I have long struggled with mental health issues and the ghosts of childhood abuse. In my 30s, I started drinking as I dealt with the heaviest depression of my life after our family experienced a miscarriage.
"None of this is intended to excuse my behaviour, but I do want to give some context and share what was happening in my life around this time. I no longer recognized myself or the person I had become.
"Régine waited patiently watching me suffer and tried to help me as best as she could. I know it must have been so hard for her to watch the person she loved so lost.
"I have been working hard on myself – not out of fear or shame, but because I am a human being who wants to improve despite my flaws and damage. I’ve spent the last few years since Covid hit trying to save that part of my soul.
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"I have put significant time and energy into therapy and healing, including attending AA. I am more aware now of how my public persona can distort relationships even if a situation feels friendly and positive to me. I am very grateful to Régine, my family, my dear friends, and my therapist, who have helped me back from the abyss that I felt certain at times would consume me.
"The bond I share with my bandmates and the incredibly deep connection I’ve made with an audience through sharing music has literally saved my life.
"As I look to the future, I am continuing to learn from my mistakes and working hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of.
"I say to you all my friends, family, to anyone I have hurt and to the people who love my music and are shocked and disappointed by this report: I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the pain I caused - I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people - I f**ked up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences. I can do better and I will do better."
UNILAD have contacted Win Butler's representatives for additional comment.
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Anish Vij