Ex-Paramore bassist Jeremy Davis clarifies stance on LGBTQ+ community
It’s definitely been an interesting few days within the Paramore community. Last week, anti-LGBTQ+ comments from former member Josh Farro began circulating online. This eventually led to Hayley Williams releasing a statement denouncing his beliefs.
Now, former bassist Jeremy Davis is breaking his silence for one of the first times since his departure. In a new message, Davis clarifies his stance on the LGBTQ+ community and also responds to being grouped with Farro in Williams’ statement.
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Both Josh and Zac Farro left Paramore back in 2010. Paramore kept the specifics about the brothers’ decision to leave out of their official statement. However, Josh later shared in his own statement that they left due to the alleged control both Williams and her father had over the band.
Following the Farros’ departure, Paramore became a trio and they went on to release their self-titled album in 2013. However, Davis eventually left the group in 2015. His departure led to a legal case that was finally settled in 2017.
Over the years, Taylor York and Williams eventually reconnected with Zac Farro. Then, when it came time to making After Laughter, Farro became part of the creative process and soon rejoined the band.
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Then, last week, some anti-LGBTQ+ comments from former member Josh Farro surfaced online. In his post, he says that homosexuality is “a perversion.”
— DRAGONPSY ᵕ̈ (@werjustdreamers) October 29, 2020
The post began to spread across social media and soon ended up in front of Williams. She took to Twitter to pen a pro-LGBTQ+ message while simultaneously confirming that past Paramore members have left due to conflicting belief systems.
“There’s a reason there are only 3 people left in Paramore. Surprise, haters, it ain’t cause of me,” Williams says. “Paramore do not condone religiously/politically dogmatic beliefs which leave our LGBTQ+ friends, fans, & family feeling abandoned and hopeless.”
there’s a reason there are only 3 people left in @paramore. surprise, haters, it ain’t cause of me.
paramore do not condone religiously/politically dogmatic beliefs which leave our LGBTQ+ friends, fans, & family feeling abandoned and hopeless.
— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) October 28, 2020
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Williams further says that if fans don’t accept Paramore’s support for the LGBTQ+ community, they can look elsewhere for music. She also gives a special shoutout to Brian O’Connor, the creative director of Good Dye Young.
“And ya know, if that doesn’t jive with you, well, feel free to go to where all past members of Paramore have gone which is literally anywhere else but Paramore. to Paramore’s LGBTQ+ family (and @ColormeBrian I am talkin straight to you) you are full of love and you are loved.”
and ya know, if that doesn’t jive with you, well, feel free to go to where all past members of paramore have gone which is literally anywhere else but paramore.
to paramore’s LGBTQ+ family (and @ColormeBrian i am talkin straight to you) you are full of love and you are loved.
— hayley from Paramore ? (@yelyahwilliams) October 28, 2020
Now, Jeremy Davis has spoken up about Williams’ recent statement. On Nov. 2, he shared a lengthy message to his followers stating that he does not support Farro’s anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs. As well, he was shocked to learn that he had been grouped with Farro in Williams’ statement.
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“It has been brought to my attention that a blanket statement was made about all of the ex-band members of Paramore,” Davis says. “I’m devastated and shocked to have been included in that grouping as an ex-member of the band.”
He goes on to say that he does not agree with Farro’s stance against the LGBTQ+ community.
“Josh Farro’s comments were made by him and him alone and in no way should anyone else’s stance on the LGBTQ+ community have been inferred,” he continues. “Anyone who knows me knows I stand for inclusivity and love only, never for hate or discrimination of any kind. I love and support this community as I always have.”
This is from My heart to Yours❤️➡️❤️ pic.twitter.com/FYdjS70EPi
— JERMbeats (@schzimmydeanie) November 2, 2020
Davis’ statement comes just days after Zac Farro spoke up about his brother’s recent comments. In his own statement, Zac shares that he does not condone any actions that don’t show support for the Paramore and LGBTQ+ community.
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“I want to say I love and support you all and have your back,” he says. “And most of all, stand with you. I do not condone any actions that do not love and support your community.”
Zac goes on to further explain some of the specifics that happened following his departure from Paramore ten years ago.
“When my brother and I left Paramore in 2010, there was a post about the band that I did not fully condone. My name was included on the post yes, but I had not been briefed on what the entirety of that message contained.”
He elaborates that he stands alongside his current Paramore bandmates and the welcoming community surrounding the band.
— Zac Farro (@zacfarro) October 29, 2020
What are your thoughts on the former and current Paramore members’ recent statements? Let us know in the comments below.
