Image Via Instagram / Kevin Devine

Brand New Touring Member Exits Following Jesse Lacey Teen Sexual Misconduct Claims

UPDATE: Second Woman Accuses Brand New’s Jesse Lacey Of Sexual Misconduct

ORIGINAL STORY: Brand New‘s touring guitarist Kevin Devine has pulled out of the band’s forthcoming UK dates following allegations of sexual misconduct made against frontman, Jesse Lacey.

ICYMI: Lacey has been accused of soliciting nudes from a 15-year-old girl back when he was 24, and yesterday issued a lengthy statement (which did not exactly address the allegations, but did include a general apology for “pain and harm” he’s caused to a “number of people”).

Now, Devine — who’s been joining the band on stage for their live dates this year — has also weighed in on the controversy in a series of posts on social media.

“I want to address the allegations against Jesse,” he writes. “I believe that it is critically important to really listen to & hear people who speak out about abuse of power & sexual misconduct.

“I fully support that decision in this situation, which I’m sure was incredibly difficult, and I hope she is supported in the next part of her journey toward healing,” he continues.

“I had not heard the story prior to it being made public yesterday. I’m heartbroken for her & for every person who absorbs & subsequently has to figure out how to live with this type of trauma. We all need to do a lot better, myself very much included.”

“I hope that my friend continues to do what he needs to do to get & be better,” he adds, referencing Lacey’s earlier statement in which he openly admitted to problems with sex addiction and substance abuse.

“I’m not sure what happens next. When I am, I’ll say more.”

In another post, Devine announced that he would no longer be joining Brand New for their scheduled tour dates in the UK and Ireland.

https://twitter.com/KevinDevineTwit/status/929761098240286720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fnews%2Fmusic%2Fbrand-new-touring-member-kevin-devine-pulls-tour-following-jesse-lacey-sexual-misconduct-allegations-2158688

You can read Lacey’s full statement here, or catch Devine’s below.

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