Decapitated was arrested on September 8 in Santa Ana, California after allegedly kidnapping a woman in Spokane, Washington on the morning of September 1. Details of the situation have since surfaced, with the potential victim alleging gang rape, offering some explicit detail of what happened on the band's tour bus earlier this week. Since then, the band has been held in Los Angeles County Jail, has undergone a court hearing, and is currently awaiting extradition back to Spokane.
The only time we've heard from the band has been through its lawyer, who noted there's another side to the story, and that they have eyewitnesses to back them up. Now, for the first time, Decapitated themselves are speaking out. According to the statement issued via Facebook (which was deactivated on September 13 and reactivated today), the band denies all claims and asks that "everyone please reserve their judgement until a definitive outcome has been reached."
The band also confirms that all future touring has been cancelled at this time.
"While we are not perfect human beings, we are not kidnappers, rapists, or criminals. As such, we strongly deny the allegations that have recently been brought against us.
We ask that everyone please reserve their judgement until a definitive outcome has been reached, as charges have yet to be pressed. Full testimony and evidence will be presented in due time, and we have faith in that process.
As there is uncertainty regarding a timeline for prospective proceedings and out of respect for fans and promoters, due to the severity of the claims, we have cancelled all planned touring.
All social media platforms have been temporarily disabled as they have been used as destinations for defamatory and malicious remarks. We would like to point out that the statements in the published police report were given prior to an arrest. At that point, no member of the band was aware of an active warrant being issued."
The court hearing in Los Angeles took place on September 12, and extradition back to Spokane can take up to 30 days.
