Big Name Support Drops Out Of Arcade Fire Tour Amid Win Butler Allegations

When four people came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler just days before their UK tour was about to start, it was unclear what the future would hold. The band hit the road and played two shows in Dublin with support from Feist. The singer-songwriter decided to donate a portion of merch sales to Women's Aid Dublin; however, on Thursday (September 1), she decided to withdraw from the remainder of the tour.

After explaining the tough situation she was thrown into, with no time to process or react, Feist wrote that she "can't continue" in a lengthy message.

“I’m imperfect and I will navigate this decision imperfectly, but what I’m sure of is the best way to take care of my band and crew and my family is to distance myself from this tour, not this conversation,” she continued. “I’m claiming my responsibility now and going home.” 

Read the full statement below.

Pitchfork broke the story with an extensive report detailing the "inappropriate" actions of Butler with four people who were between the ages of 18 and 23 at the time of the alleged interactions, which went on from 2015 to 2020.

Butler gave his own statement, admitting all the encounters happened but insisting they were all consensual. He also addressed his marriage with bandmate Régine Chassagne. "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," he said. "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," he added. "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. It is deeply revisionist, and frankly just wrong, for anyone to suggest otherwise."

Chassagne also responded to the allegations, stating: "I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did.”