hey violet

Hey Violet part ways with bassist after sexual assault allegations

Hey Violet have spoken on the departure of their bass player Iain Shipp following a series of sexual assault allegations.

Shipp was accused in several online posts. The band says they are “continuing to investigate” these allegations.

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Shipp denied the allegations on Twitter Friday, saying they are “deeply upsetting and untrue.”

https://twitter.com/IainShipp/status/1116859086887211008

Hours after, Hey Violet tweeted that they’ve been dealing with the situation offline and conducting a full investigation.

Last night, they announced Shipp was out of the band but are still looking into it. They stated, “there is not enough information to prove or disprove the allegations presented. We sincerely hope the allegations are untrue.”

“Hi guys, we wanted to say thank you for being patient while we work through tis incredibly difficult time. We have reached out to the parties affected both personally and through our attorney in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the situation. We are continuing to investigate the matter, but with the current details provided, there is not enough information to prove or disprove the allegations presented. We sincerely hope the allegations are untrue, but at this moment we feel it is best to continue on without Iain in the band. You are all like family to us, and we hope you know that we’ve been taking this very seriously. Thank you again for your understanding, we are all sending you our love.”

Shipp followed up Hey Violet’s statement with one of his own in a series of tweets.

“I’m no longer in Hey Violet. The decision was made without ill intent. I still love Rena, Nia, and Casey unconditionally. I can’t blame them for making the decision they did. I maintain my innocence in this matter and measures will be taken to prove so.

“I understand the outrage. The hatred levied towards me is deserving of someone who has committed the atrocious act alleged. I, however, will not take the fall for something I didn’t do or claim to do.

“The coming silence is no admittance of guilt. thanks for everything”

https://twitter.com/IainShipp/status/1118309095969153024

https://twitter.com/IainShipp/status/1118309193159569408

https://twitter.com/IainShipp/status/1118309333807165440

Shipp joined the band in 2016, originally as a temporary bassist. Hey Violet just released “Better By Myself,” their first song in two years since 2017 debut From the Outside.

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