To go to a gig where the lead singer is rumoured to have sexually assaulted young women?

[Whatyagonnadokatie]

So, Ive been very excited to finally see one of my favourite bands live. But... there are very credible rumours on the internet that the lead singer has sexually assaulted young women.

wibu to still go?

Alright Alison Moyet, calm down.

It is sold out tomorrow and limited availability Wed. They have a big following (as does the support Feist) so I doubt very much they will be cancelling at all. His wife has his number - maybe they werecopen, maybe not - either way, show must go on.

I don’t think I would. I doubt I’d enjoy being there, I’d find him repugnant.

Fans continue to see Louis CK.
Aziz Ansari still has a fandom (although his career did take a dive and that was only based on one person's depiction of what others might deem a bad date).
I find the whole debate about artist vs their work interesting. I do still listen to the occasional Michael Jackson track. I did watch Baby driver.
I never had to think about Woody Allen or Roman Polanski, as not keen on their oeuvre.
I have just listened to Arcade Fire live at Earl's Court.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=aqImpqOFWXs
That eye make-up is indefensible.

I know it's only alleged at the minute because he's not yet been convicted.
However I'm always onthe side of the alleged victim. Therefore I'm certainly not going to give you the nod nor green light to line the pockets of a potential abuser.

Wow aren't you a delight!. I pray you don't work in any position of power.

Oh that's a tough one.

Assuming the ticket is already paid for, the singer will benefit from it whatever happens. So from that point of view, there is no reason not to go.

But at the same time I wouldn't want them to think that a good attendance suggests that people are ok with what he is alleged to have done.

I honestly don't know what I would do.

He will only be convicted in the court of public opinion and if fans were to vote with their feet. Won't happen. No evidence of any crime that can be upheld. Not unless others come forward.
The "wanting to show your daughter beauty, before damage is done" line may not age well.

Meh, I'd go. You've already given them your money.

If it's a rumour no I wouldn't protest this way

If it's fact then I'd not go (e.g. Chris brown etc.)

Therefore I'm certainly not going to give you the nod nor green light to line the pockets of a potential abuser

The issue is that, presumably, the pockets have already been lined. I don't think op is wondering if they should buy the tickets at this stage.

You're wrong, sorry...I would personally go. I don't have any moral expectations of rock musicians, male or female.

Another example of fans/historical cases being problematic is that of Neil Fox. I watched the documentary on all 4 (the accused: national treasures on trial). He was cleared of all charges: no crime committed. The magistrates were very clear, however, that they believed the testimonies of the women. The verdict notes make for fascinating reading, if you like the intricacies of the law.
www.google.com/url?q=www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Neil-Fox-verdict.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjdv6qSsuz5AhVCgFwKHamTCnMQFnoECAIQAg&usg=AOvVaw3EZTgSaryx6MVjhXhKjMfb

I would still go as it will be a great concert and six of them have done nothing wrong and are extremely talented. I always feel really sorry for the other band members when one person ruins everything for all of them.

This is tricky OP, as I also love the band you’re referring to (if it’s the same band that’s been named already on this thread) and I’ve also heard about the allegations.

Personally, I would go - I’ve heard the band are incredible live and I’ve always wanted to see them.

I was so disappointed to read the allegations in the papers recently, but as PP have mentioned, you’ve already paid for the tickets, so the band will benefit whether or not you go. Do you think it would be possible for you to separate the singer’s music from the allegations just on this occasion? I realise that is very difficult though.

the tickets were bought and paid for ages ago: so the money is spent anyway. Gutted as I was sooo looking forward to it

I wouldn’t go. I just wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.

I’d go. It’s an accusation, that’s all.

If you’re able to enjoy it, go. I’m not sure how I’d feel. When I was a teen I felt very much attached to pop stars and would’ve been devastated if one of my favourites was accused of something but nowadays, whilst I really like certain songs, I don’t feel much interest in the singer and feel able to detach the two.

I think it might have been a couple of girls.

Totally agree! After reading the initial comments on here then googling the band and reading the article, I’m really gobsmacked that the adults involved are all over 18, aged between 18-23 at time of contact. It’s actually bizarre!!

Where is the line for “power imbalance due to age gap” - he’s not in any position of authority, so is it because they’re his fans? Or because he’s famous?

Because multiple adults have age gap relationships all the time and the resultant dynamics isn’t - and shouldn’t be - a legal matter, even if it’s seen as distasteful it is not illegal.

They are adults and can consent and say no. If he ignores the no and then assaulted them knowing they weren’t consenting at the time, then that’s sexual assault or harassment etc., I don’t see how any age gap is relevant.

Unless the definition of adults is changing to 25 and you’re not allowed to join army, get married etc until 25 then it’s totally ridiculous.

I myself had a 5yr relationship with someone 16yrs older than me when I was 19 so am not in any way aghast at the ages of the parties involved- just gobsmacked that this seems to be their main legal thrust; very odd!!!