Canadian singer-songwriter Leslie Feist – known by her stage name, Feist – has left her support slot on Arcade Fire’s American tour after sexual misconduct allegations were made against frontman Win Butler.
Over the weekend, Pitchfork published accounts from four people who had sexual encounters with Butler between 2016 and 2020 when they were all aged between 18 and 23 and he was 36-39. Three of the women felt the interactions were inappropriate given the age gap and power dynamics at play and one person – who identifies as non-binary – claims that Butler sexually assaulted them on two separate occasions. Butler has confirmed having sexual interactions with all parties but insists the interactions were consensual.
Arcade Fire are currently on tour, with a show in Dublin played since the allegations were made. Feist played the Dublin show but has since decided to leave the tour, issuing a lengthy statement on her social media accounts.
“I’m imperfect and I will navigate this decision imperfectly, but what I’m sure of is the best way to take care of my band and crew and my family is to distance myself from this tour, not this conversation,” she said, via Instagram.
“I’ve always written songs to name my own subtle difficulties, aspire to my best self and claim responsibility when I need to,” she continues. “And I’m claiming my responsibility now and going home.”
Read the statement in full below.
— Feist (@FeistMusic) September 1, 2022
Butler’s wife and bandmate Regine Chassange responded to the allegations with a message of support for her husband: “”I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did. He has lost his way and he has found his way back.”
Pressure is mounting for Arcade Fire to cancel their remaining tour dates which will see them come to London’s o2 next week before heading off around Europe and the US. Currently no cancellations have been made and the band have not addressed the allegations on stage.
