Content Warning: This article discusses assault. If you or someone you know is 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.
Former Kasabian singer Tom Meighan has issued a public apology to his former fiancee Vikki Ager after pleading guilty to assaulting her while revealing that the pair are still together and still “very much in love”.
Addressing the incident for the first time following his ousting from Kasabian over the domestic violence charge, Meighan revealed that he had struggled with alcoholism and has since attended rehab.
“I would like to make a statement about recent events and publicly apologise to my partner Vikki, my band-mates, my friends, family and fans,” he wrote. “I am very sorry and deeply regret my recent behaviour… I am completely to blame and accept all responsibility.
“I have struggled for many years with alcohol addiction. The incident in April was a wake-up call for me, for who I was, and what I was becoming. I was spiralling out of control. My mental health was becoming more and more unstable and I was at breaking point,” Meighan said, adding that he had also recently been diagnosed with ADHD, though noted it “in no way” excuses his actions.
He continued: “I booked myself into a rehabilitation programme for alcoholism. It’s been well documented I’ve undergone treatment before, but in truth, I’ve never actually been completely sober. This time has been different. I left the programme 3 weeks ago and with the support of my family and friends, I’ve been taking every day as it comes, getting through each day completely clean and sober. This time I actually really want to do it, not just for those I care about, but also for myself.”
The former Kasabian frontman then revealed that he and the partner who he assaulted were hoping to move forward following the “isolated” incident.
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“Vikki and I are still very much in love and we are looking forward to rebuilding our life together with the support of those close to us,” he said.
“Vikki & I hope to be able to move on from this as a stronger couple. I hope in time you can forgive me.”
The 39-year-old was sentenced at Leicester Magistrates’ Court after he admitted to assaulting Vikki Ager on April 9th this year and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
