Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and rape. 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.
Austin Carlile has denied sexually assaulting multiple women following allegations that Alternative Press failed to report over 15 different stories shared by Carlile’s alleged victims.
In a lengthy statement, the former Of Mice & Men frontman – who became a born again Christian in 2016 – admitted that while he wasn’t “the best person” and “acted like a jerk” when younger, he insisted he “never violated anyone”.
“In my younger years, I absolutely was not the best person, but I have never physically abused, preyed upon, forced myself upon, or drugged any woman. These accusations are false and defamatory,” the 32-year-old began.
“I am not a perfect person: I smoked marijuana daily, drank often, got into fights and acted like a jerk more times than I can count. I did things and acted in ways that I am not proud of, but never have I violated anyone. These ‘accusations’ being thrown around on social media, in our current ‘cancel culture’ climate, are extremely heinous and completely without merit.
Carlile continued, “My wife is a molestation and rape survivor, and I have personally seen the deep, long-standing pain that she battles with every day. I have spent years surrendering my flesh over to God, allowing Him to constantly improve who I am as a man, husband, and father. During this past week, I have even had the joy of seeing the heartbeat of my new child for the very first time. Today, I am focused on supporting my pregnant wife, our daughter, this new blessing in our lives, my health, my wife’s health, and striving to be a better person every day.”
The singer went on to apologise to various charity organisations he works with, along with his former band members and fans.
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“All women deserve to feel safe, supported, and heard, but these unjust attacks upon my family and accusations against me, are decades-old claims that are unfounded.”
The allegations exploded across social media last week after Twitter user and alleged victim Caitlyn Stiffler slammed Alternative Press for running a story on Austin Carlile in which he spoke about COVID-19 and finding Jesus, despite shelving a prior investigative story about the alleged sexual assaults.
Alternative Press released its own statement on the matter, saying:
“For legal purposes regarding the Austin Carlile accusations, the story couldn’t run as it was told. As a female-led, lgbtq+ editorial staff, we’re going to reopen this & find the answers you’re looking for. We do not condone any of the accusations & this story WILL be heard.”
Carlile’s Of Mice & Men former bandmates have also now been forced to speak out, with Aaron Pauley, Alan Ashby, Tino Arteaga and Phil Manansala condemning such behaviour and seemingly distancing themselves from their former frontman, who left the group in 2016.
“Yesterday, we heard for the first time of an alleged article that was written, and apparently subsequently shelved, regarding a former member of our band,” the group’s statement began.
“This individual has not been a member of Of Mice & Men for almost four years and neither the band nor the team around us, has had any part in suppressing any such article,” they added.
Carlile stepped away from Of Mice & Men after struggling with Marfan Syndrome, though he later claimed that he left the band as they “weren’t going to let me write what I wanted on next record.”
Check out ‘Unbreakable’ by Of Mice & Men:
