Hey Violet Announces Departure With Bassist After Sexual Assault Allegations
The band made a statement on Twitter regarding the matter.
Hey Violet finally talked about the departure of their bass player after a series of sexual assault allegations had surfaced against him. Iain Shipp is now no longer part of the band. Previously, a series of online posts had turned up, accusing him of acts of sexual assault. The band has decided to move on without him and are “continuing to investigate” these allegations.
Shipp Had Denied The Allegations
On Friday, Ian Shipp took to twitter to tweet about the denial of the allegations against him. He said they are “deeply upsetting and untrue”.
I am aware of the disturbing allegations being issued against me and the matter is being investigated. They are deeply upsetting and untrue.
— iain (@IainShipp) April 13, 2019
A while later, Hey Violet talked about the matter as well. They say how they have been investigating the matter and how a full investigation is still on-going.
we take these allegations very seriously and are conducting a full investigation. we are not being silent to ignore or cover up what has been said; we have been dealing with the situation offline.
— HEY VIOLET (@HeyViolet) April 13, 2019
Hey Violet To Move On without Bassist
Although Shipp is out of the band, they are still looking into it. The pop-rock group admitted how they don’t have all the answers. And regardless, they feel it’s best to continue without Shipp in the band.
Last night, Hey Violet stated:
— HEY VIOLET (@HeyViolet) April 17, 2019
Afterwards, Shipp’s statement followed in a series of tweets one after the other, confirming his departure.
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
— iain (@IainShipp) April 17, 2019
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
— iain (@IainShipp) April 17, 2019
the coming silence is no admittance of guilt. thanks for everything
— iain (@IainShipp) April 17, 2019
Originally as a temporary bass player, Ian Shipp had joined the group in 2016. But now fans of the band can expect future music to exclude him entirely.