The Brand New frontman issues a lengthy apology after sexual misconduct allegations involving a 15 year old surfaced.

After many sexual assault allegations have come to the public's attention for the past few weeks, we've seen many of Hollywood's biggest people being accused of sexual misconduct. There have been few stories against people in the rock industry other than Twiggy Ramirez, but now there is another name to add to the list.

Long Island based rock group Brand New are now dealing with one of their own members being accused of sexual assault. 39 year-old singer Jesse Lacey is being accused of soliciting nude images from a 15 year-old back when he was 24 years-old. The singer hasn't admitted to these accusations, but the singer did post to the band's Facebook page on Saturday issuing a general apology. Lacey says that "actions of my past have caused pain and harm to a number of people, and I want to say that I am absolutely sorry." Lacey also admitted to having an addiction to sex, as well as cheating on his future wife.

The accusations against Lacey surfaced after a former guitar tech for the band, Brian Diaz, posted this on Facebook:

So while we are on the topic of outing famous and semi-famous creeps, anyone want to speak up about Jesse Lacey from Brand New?'

After Diaz posted the question online, the comments section filled up with many women who started giving their accounts of encounters with Lacey. Many said that Lacey was "manipulative," "demeaning," and one woman even said Lacey forced her to watch him masturbate on Skype.

Here's more from Lacey's statement:

 I do not stand in defense of myself nor do I forgive myself. I was selfish, narcissistic, and insensitive in my past, and there are a number of people who have had to shoulder the burden of my failures. I apologize for the hurt I have caused, and hope to be able to take the correct actions to earn forgiveness and trust......Early on in my life, I developed a dependent and addictive relationship with sex. I was scared of it, ashamed, and unwilling or unable to admit it, and so it grew into a consistent and terrible problem.......Lust, sex, love, and arousal were coping tools for me, and I returned to them repeatedly. I detached my own feelings and emotions from most of my sexual interactions. I hid, or lied about my behavior to escape reproach. I was a habitual cheater. I have been unfaithful in many, if not most of my relationships, including the relationship with my wife, who has with all of her might, patience, and grace, tried to hold our marriage together, despite having to endure the pain of the revelations of my past.

Lacey apologized for his past actions and said in his sobriety he is working to "shed all (his) narcissism and (his) self obsession." He also said he hopes anyone that he has caused pain are able to heal.

The band is now facing backlash from these accusations. Indie rock band Martha has decided to pull out of an upcoming tour with Brand New, and touring member of Brand Kevin Devine says he will be pulling out of the band's tour in the U.K. and Ireland. Looks like he wont be missing anything since Brand New has now released a statement saying they will be postponing the next 3 shows in the U.K. and Ireland.

Read the band's entire post about the allegations and Jesse Lacey's apology here.

 

More From Rock 108