ORIGINAL STORY: Sydney pop-punks With Confidence have released a new statement in the wake of the child sexual misconduct allegations levelled at now ex-guitarist Luke ‘Rockets’ Thomas.
The band’s string-strummer exited the group this week after being accused of sending sexually explicit messages to an underage female fan.
Now, the band have taken to social media to hose down speculation that they had knowledge of Thomas’ alleged offences prior to the claims being made public.
“We want to make it clear that we were all completely unaware of this unacceptable, irresponsible and disgusting behaviour that has taken place,” the trio write.
“We found out the same time everyone else did and immediately removed Luke from the band and bus. We have zero tolerance for such actions.”
Offering some more personal insights, they continue: “Luke had always kept his private life private. No one could ever touch his phone. It was always locked and we could have never known the private conversations that he was having.
“We thought this was just the way he was as a person and we were trying to be respectful.
“We feel terrible that we were blind to this, that it was our band, and a person we all thought we knew. We’re still in shock of it all and our hearts are broken.”
Read the band’s full statement below, or head here for a full account of the accusations against Thomas.
We wanted to share some further thoughts pic.twitter.com/yTMQzXbrjO
— With Confidence (@withconfidence_) November 14, 2017
