Content Warning: This article discusses sexual abuse. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Ashley Purdy – the former bassist for Black Veil Brides – has slammed allegations of sexual abuse after several women came forward last week over social media claiming various alleged instances of physical, verbal and psychological abuse.
The allegations first gained traction after a Twitter user named Pearl Carolina claimed that the 41-year-old subjected her to “emotional and mental abuse” after she began conversing with the star via Instagram in February this year. Carolina’s posts quickly lead to hashtag #AshleyPurdy trending across Twitter, encouraging other alleged victims to come forward with their own stories involving the bassist.
Calling her recount “just the tip of the iceberg“, Carolina alleged that meeting Purdy in Tennessee in March, he soon began a pattern of abusive behaviour which initially began with Carolina “being torn apart mentally and emotionally,” culminating in Purdy having “unprotected sex” with her while she was “extremely intoxicated.”
“If I can save even just ONE girl from having to experience the emotional and mental trauma all of us girls and women went through because of him,” Carolina wrote following the series of tweets. “I will be satisfied. Time for the truth.”
More alleged victims speak out
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Following Carolina’s allegations, several other women soon spoke out with their own allegations, with another Twitter user detailing an alleged encounter with Purdy when she was just 17-years-old.
https://twitter.com/throwupbarbie/status/1275452877129965570
In a thread, she outlined her account of Purdy’s alleged predatory behaviour, in which she claimed he verbally abused her and sent her sexually suggestive photographs of women he wanted her to emulate. She also said that, following a Black Veil Brides concert, the bassist coerced her into drinking alcohol before engaging in a sexual act on the band’s tour bus.
She also supplied several text message screenshots allegedly showing the pair’s conversations.
“I know the truth. I have the receipts. And I don’t care what defence he thinks he has,” the second alleged victim concluded. “I don’t want an apology from you. I don’t want anything to do with you. And if you do decide to open your mouth to speak on this situation, let it either be to admit you are in the wrong or otherwise don’t say anything. I won’t want to hear it.”
The user then posted a video that reportedly shows her getting on Black Veil Bride’s tour bus on the night of the alleged encounter.
https://twitter.com/throwupbarbie/status/1275623634523107329
As more women began to speak out, Aleena Averly, a woman who claimed to be a former associate of the band took to Twitter to recount instances in which she witnessed Purdy inappropriately engage with underage fans.
“The last time I was around him, [he] got an underaged girl drunk on the bus that he had [to] meet around back of the venue because security wouldn’t let her through because she was underage,” Averly said.
Ashley Purdy slams sexual abuse allegations
Following the allegations, Ashley Purdy has since released two statements denying all allegations against him.
In a second tweet, he wrote: “I sincerely believe that every woman has a right to be heard, trusted and respected. However, these statements have been worsening over time and I can assure you many false allegations have been made. I am mortified by what is being said.”
“At this time, despite my concern for everyone involved, I feel I have no choice but to proceed with legal action to quickly bring the truth to light.
He continued, “I am asking all my friends and fans to be patient and reserve judgment as my attorneys work to clear my name. Until then, I hope that everyone stays safe and knows I am doing everything possible to quickly and responsibly resolve this situation.”
— ☆ ☆ (@AshleyPurdy) June 24, 2020
Black Veil Brides speak out against “abhorrent behaviour”
Ashley Purdy’s statement comes after his former Black Veil Brides bandmates released a statement on social media in regards to the allegations against the ex-bassist, who exited the band at the end of 2019.
“We have been informed of the allegations against a former member of our band and we want to make it clear that we do not condone the type of abhorrent behaviour that’s been described,” the statement began. “We are committed to creating a safe community for our fans and advancing a culture in which abuse of any kind is not tolerated.”
Purdy joined Black Veil Brides in 2009 before the group announced they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the bassist. “We have enjoyed a wonderful run together and both parties wish one another continued success moving forward.”
Ashley Purdy’s troubling past
The allegations against Ashley Purdy come after a slew of run-ins with the law following his exit from the band, including a DUI where he was reportedly “found unresponsive behind the wheel of his vehicle with the engine running”. He was then arrested, and later urinated “on the backseat of the patrol vehicle”.
Check out ‘Wake Up’ by Black Veil Bride:
