triple j Unearthed has spoken out regarding recent sexual assault allegations made against the band, The Football Club, who won the chance to perform at this year’s Splendour in the Grass.
On June 15th, following the announcement of the competition’s winners, Facebook posts made by several people accused a member of the band of sexual and emotional abuse.
As the posts were quickly shared across social media, there were calls for the band to be removed from the festival line-up, and triple j Unearthed took to Facebook to respond, following the removal of certain posts and comments from their own Facebook page.
“Hey Unearthed, there’s been talk of us removing posts relating to our winning Splendour band. We can’t display any posts or comments that are potentially defamatory.
“We’re aware of the issue, and understand the band have made a statement and are engaging privately with the people involved,” Later commenting, “They are still our comp winners, and will be on the Splendour line-up.”
However, Ruby from The Football Club has made the following statement announcing the band will no longer be playing at Splendour, “In light of recent events, for the time being, all future Football Club plans are put on hold. We won’t be performing at Splendour in the Grass. We were absolutely thrilled to be invited and would like to thank Splendour, and Triple J Unearthed for the opportunity.
“I strongly deny these allegations, and will be dealing with them through the appropriate channels.”
In a recent update, The Football Club band member Leah Romero has made the following statement announcing her decision to leave the band.
“In light of the recent allegations I have decided to no longer continue with The Football Club.
“These allegations are incredibly serious and though have been vehemently denied, I will still be departing from the band. I believe that Ruby and everyone involved needs to focus on resolving this situation through the appropriate channels and that the band comes completely secondary to this.
“I will be donating 100{7a2eb471754f58cbf59baa93ee81dc7b74d186cb2e306188f39c85ba863dbab8} of my part of royalties and earnings from the band to The Royal Women’s Hospital Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House), who give support to victims of sexual assault.”
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If this has brought up any issues for you personally, here are some places you can go to get help:
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue:https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Qlife: https://qlife.org.au/
Minus18:https://minus18.org.au.