CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses abuse, mental illness and substance abuse.
Korn frontman Jonathan Davis has released his first statement since the death of his estranged wife, Deven.
Deven Davis’ death at the age of 39 was confirmed earlier this week, reportedly on the same day her husband had filed a restraining order against her.
Today, in a statement posted to social media, Jonathan Davis addressed the “speculation over what really happened”.
“Over the past decade, my wife has been very very sick. She had a serious mental illness and her addiction was a side effect,” he said.
“I tried to hide what was going on for so long in order to protect her, but because of this tragedy that has happened to my family, I feel that now is the time to share the truth with you all.
“She is the reason I have advocated so hard for those struggling with their mental health. I want her story to inspire people to reach out for help, and not to be afraid or hide from their illness.
“If you know someone with a mental illness, have compassion and empathy, and know that they are not bad people, they are suffering. I want this to inspire change.”
After calling for changes to legislation in California, Davis said his wife “wasn’t well enough to understand how sick she really was”.
“I’d give anything to have the chance to hold her again. I’d give anything for my kids to have their mother back. I have comfort in knowing that now she has found freedom from her illness, and she is finally at peace,” he said.
“Deven, I love you bebe. I’ll never love anyone the way I loved you, and I’ll never get over losing you. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to raise our precious boys the right way, teach them the good values you wanted them to have so badly, and to break the cycle of abuse we both experienced as kids.”
Read Davis’ statement in full, below.
Jonathan Davis’ statement comes after a number of his Korn bandmates spoke out about Deven’s death earlier this week.
