The Neighbourhood fires drummer after sexual assault allegations
The Neighbourhood have fired drummer Jason King, according to reports in the British press. According to the Manchester Evening News The NIN singer is alleged to have raped a woman in 1999, when she was 19. King has now denied the allegations. King, a member of Manchester’s most influential rock band, had just wrapped up a tour of Australia. The band issued a statement confirming their decision. “After hearing the news in Australia, we’ve had to take immediate and decisive action in accordance with our wishes. Our immediate thoughts are with her and her family,” read a statement posted on their website.
The band have stated they will work with the police as they conduct an independent investigation. “Following recent reports about the allegations made against him, the band had to make the decision to dismiss drummer Jason King,” read a statement released earlier today. “The band and the family can now focus their attention on their own process and the ongoing investigation.”
In a statement on the band’s Facebook page, they have said “we have been made aware of serious allegations concerning our drummer Jason King. Those allegations are currently the subject of a thorough investigation into the police force and the NIN has been informed of the outcome of that investigation. In the meantime, the band wishes to make it clear that neither the NIN nor the members of the band are aware of the details of any such investigation and of any specific allegation.” They also say the NIN have “full confidence in Jason King and the NIN.”
One of the band’s members has suggested an online petition in support of King and the campaign for justice. The band has said they are not aware of the details of the allegations, but are confident they are true. “We are fully aware of all the allegations and are certain there are no grounds for believing them. We have made our decision to dismiss Jason King and have no further comment,” said the statement.
A statement from the band’s management read: “We would like to place on record