Lostprophets Members Issue Statement, HMV Removes Albums From Sale

The former members of Welsh post-hardcore band Lostprophets have issued an official statement via the band’s Facebook page, in the wake of frontman Ian Watkinspleading guilty to child sex-crime charges, saying they are “heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed.”

The band reiterate what they had previously stated when the allegations against Watkins first arose, saying that until Watkins pleaded guilty in court, the band found the allegations against him “extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake.” The band’s initial statement read:

“Following charges made today against Ian Watkins, we find ourselves in a state of shock. We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you.”

“Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny,” continue the band. In the statement, the band are adamant that they were unaware of Watkins’ actions, though acknowledge that their band mate was “a difficult character” who struggled with drug addiction.

The band also write that Watkins displayed “egotistic behaviour,” which resulted in “fractures and frustrations within our band.” The band then express grief at the confirmation of the child sex-crime charges, which reportedly included Watkins planning to rape an infant. The band write:

“We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Being in a band has always been a labour of love and a platform to inspire people, not to take advantage of them.

“It’s still hard to believe this is happening and that someone we were once so close to has destroyed so many lives, lying every step of the way.”

The band close by issuing their condolences to “Ian’s family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them,” adding, ” We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he’s done.” Read the full statement below.

Meanwhile, NME is reporting that British record store HMV have announced that they have removed all Lostprophets albums from sale in their 140 UK stores following Watkins’ trial, and that they will no longer carry releases by the band in-store or online.

An Apple spokesperson was approached by NME to comment on whether iTunes would be taking the same action, but declined to issue a statement. Amazon.co.uk was likewise asked to comment, but had not replied at the time of publication.

Lostprophets Band Members Statement

Earlier this week, we learned that the allegations of child sexual abuse against Ian were true, and that he would not be contesting them in court. Until then, we found them extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake. Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny.

Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: We did not. We knew that Ian was a difficult character. Our personal relationships with him had deteriorated in recent years to a point that working together was a constant, miserable challenge. But despite his battles with drugs, his egotistic behaviour, and the resulting fractures and frustrations within our band, we never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted.

We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Being in a band has always been a labour of love and a platform to inspire people, not to take advantage of them. It’s still hard to believe this is happening and that someone we were once so close to has destroyed so many lives, lying every step of the way.

Our hearts go out to Ian’s family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them. We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he’s done. We would urge any other victims to contact the authorities.

Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu

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