Feist, a singer-songwriter, has withdrawn from Arcade Fire’s WE tour after serving as the group’s opening act in the wake of accusations of sexual misconduct against frontman Win Butler.
Since numerous people have accused Butler of having “inappropriate” sexual contact with them “given the differences in age, power relationships, and the context in which they occurred,” Pitchfork noted, Feist opened for the band’s first two performances back.
Butler denied acting in a nonconsensual manner but acknowledged having consensual relationships outside of his marriage to Régine Chassagne, co-founder of Arcade Fire.
Feist gave Women’s Aid Dublin, an organization working to end domestic abuse in Ireland, the revenues from the sale of merchandise during the concerts.
Feist was supposed to continue the Grammy-winning band’s September tour, but on Thursday, she revealed that she would no longer be joining them.
“This has been really challenging for me, and I can only imagine how challenging it has been for those who have come forward. I want everyone engaged to get better more than anything,” Feist stated.
′′…My songs made this decision [to depart] for me the final two nights on stage. Hearing them via this perspective was at odds with what I’ve spent my entire career trying to make clear for myself. I’ve always used my songwriting to acknowledge my own little struggles, strive to be my best self, and take ownership when necessary. I’m taking responsibility now and leaving for home.
The complete statement from Feist is provided below.
Feist’s posts received heart-shaped comments from a variety of musicians and ensembles, including Gracie Abrams, Moses Sumney, and Peaches.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Arcade Fire said that while they are “extremely sorry to see Leslie [Feist] leave home,” they fully comprehend and support her decision.