Following allegations of sexual abuse against frontman Matthew Johnson, indie outfit Hookworms have announced they are splitting up, stating that they "can no longer continue as a band.”
A statement was posted earlier this week by Alanna McArdle, ex-vocalist of Joanna Gruesome, who had previously dated the frontman, detailing the allegations on behalf of another ex-girlfriend going by L. The post included details of "sexual, physical, emotional abuse" by the singer.
The band and Johnson have also both provided statements in light of the alleged abuse, with the band saying, “We’re deeply shocked by the allegations that came to light yesterday regarding MJ, and take them very seriously. As a result we have cancelled all upcoming Hookworms shows and can no longer continue as a band.”
Matthew Johnson firmly denies the allegations. You can read all three statements posted to Twitter below.
TW: sexual, physical, emotional abuse. Concerning Matthew Johnson (MJ from Hookworms) pic.twitter.com/GulQcqDrEp
— Lan (@alannamcardle_) October 30, 2018
— HOOKWORMS (@HOOKWORMS) October 31, 2018
— mj (@familyscraps) October 31, 2018
