Brand New’s Jesse Lacey Faces New Grooming Allegations Ahead of Reunion Tour

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Aiyanna's Allegations
4. Brand New's Turbulent History
5. Reactions from Fans and the Music Community
6. Potential Future Developments
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• A new allegation against Jesse Lacey, frontman of the band Brand New, has emerged amidst plans for the band's North American reunion tour.
• The accuser, named Aiyana, detailed incidents of alleged grooming that began in 2005 when she was 15 years old.
• This revelation comes shortly after the band announced their first tour since going on hiatus in 2017 following prior allegations of sexual misconduct against Lacey.

Introduction

In an unexpected turn of events that rekindles past controversies, Jesse Lacey, frontman of the influential emo band Brand New, faces fresh allegations of grooming behavior just as the band gears up for a highly anticipated reunion tour this summer. The latest claims, brought to light by a woman named Aiyana, reveal troubling interactions that purportedly began when she was only 15 years old. This unfolding narrative raises critical questions about accountability and the music industry's handling of legacy artists implicated in misconduct.

The band's forthcoming 24-date tour marks their first substantial engagement since going on hiatus in 2017, which followed sexual misconduct allegations involving Lacey and a minor. The situation poses a dilemma for fans and venues alike, as public sentiment around the band's return weighs heavily against past transgressions.

Aiyanna's Allegations

In a post on Medium, Aiyana recounted her experience with Lacey, stating that he engaged in a pattern of grooming behaviors after she presented him with handmade gifts during a concert in 2005. The young fan alleged that following the concert, Lacey sought her contact information, which led to her and a friend being regularly invited onto the band’s tour bus.

Key Points from Aiyana’s Account:

• Initiation of Contact: Aiyana claimed Lacey, who was in his twenties at the time, personally requested her contact information after receiving a gift.
• Secretive Meetings: She stated the band interacted with her and a friend, creating an environment where boundaries were blurred under the guise of friendship.
• Concerning Statements: Aiyana described a moment when Lacey allegedly told her, "I don’t hate you, the truth is I’m in love with you, but you’re just not old enough for me to marry you yet," highlighting a disturbing dynamic.
• Secrecy and Manipulation: Lacey purportedly met with Aiyana and her mother, emphasizing the need to keep their relationship a secret, underscoring his manipulative behavior.

Implications of Past Allegations

This resurgence of accusations is not an isolated incident. Just prior to Aiyana's claims, Lacey had already confronted prior allegations made by another woman who accused him of sexual misconduct when she was a minor. Following these claims, Lacey issued a public apology, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging the hurt he caused to those involved.

Lacey’s Apology:

“I want to say that I am absolutely sorry. I do not stand in defense of myself nor do I forgive myself... I was selfish, narcissistic, and insensitive in my past, and there are a number of people who have had to shoulder the burden of my failures.”

The apology, while seemingly sincere, has not quelled the criticism surrounding his upcoming tour, particularly from fans and venues where unsolicited allegations remain a pivotal concern.

Brand New's Turbulent History

Brand New burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s, establishing themselves as pivotal figures in the emo genre with albums like "Deja Entendu" and "The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me." However, in 2017, the group faced significant backlash following allegations against Lacey related to inappropriate relationships with minors. The accusation then led to the band taking a prolonged hiatus, a decision echoed by members who sought to distance themselves from the controversy.

The Band's Silence and Upcoming Tour

The planned 2025 tour not only takes on symbolic weight as the band's first since their hiatus, but it also reopens discussions about accountability. Some venues have reportedly disabled comments on their social media posts announcing the tour, indicating the contentious atmosphere surrounding their return.

Meanwhile, supporters of Aiyana and others who spoke out continue to voice their discontent with the band's reunification in light of ongoing allegations. Many argue that Lacey has not taken substantial steps toward accountability beyond his initial apology.

Critique from Survivors

Aiyana concluded her post on Medium with a clear message, stating she did not believe Brand New should proceed with their tour, as Lacey had yet to specifically name the problematic behaviors, such as grooming and manipulation. This sentiment resonates within broader discussions on the responsibilities of musicians and the music industry in addressing allegations against its figures.

Reactions from Fans and the Music Community

As news of the allegations spread, the music community reacted with a mixture of concern, outrage, and support for survivors of abuse. Venues, fans, and industry figures have expressed divided sentiments, with some calling for boycotts of Brand New's tour while others contemplate separating the artist from their work.

Engagement with the Movement

This situation forms part of a larger movement within the industry advocating for change, emphasizing the need for accountability and a reevaluation of artists’ legacies. The revelations surrounding Lacey have sparked important dialogues about ethics in music and the importance of prioritizing survivors’ voices.

Potential Future Developments

As the band gears up for their tour, questions loom large regarding potential fallout. Will more individuals come forward with their experiences? How will ticket sales and venue bookings be affected? The music industry constantly grapples with the balance of artistic merit and personal integrity, and Brand New's situation offers a potent case study for this ongoing conversation.

Conclusion

The resurfacing of allegations against Jesse Lacey comes at a critical juncture for both him and the band Brand New. As they prepare for their reunion tour, lingering issues of accountability, survivor advocacy, and public perception continue to shape the narrative surrounding the band. The situation presents a crucial opportunity to reflect on the music industry's responsibility for both its artists and the communities they affect.

FAQ

What were the original allegations against Jesse Lacey? Lacey faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors, which led to Brand New's hiatus in 2017.

What is the nature of the new allegations? Aiyana, a woman who claims to have been groomed by Lacey at 15, detailed interactions where Lacey exhibited manipulative behavior, emphasizing a need for secrecy about their relationship.

How has Lacey responded to these claims? In response to previous allegations, Lacey publicly apologized, acknowledging the pain he caused while expressing a desire for forgiveness and accountability.

Should Brand New proceed with their reunion tour? Many, including Aiyana, argue against the tour's continuation, highlighting unresolved issues and a lack of accountability from Lacey.

What impact do these allegations have on the music community? The situation has sparked critical discussions about ethical responsibility in the music industry, particularly concerning the behavior of artists in their relationships with fans and minors.