The Observatory North Park informed ticket holders today that Crystal Castles has cancelled their Wednesday night show at the San Diego venue, along with nine of the other upcoming shows on their tour. The venue is is refunding concert goers, but has provided no explanation on the cancellation at this time.
The cancellations coincide with allegations from former band member Alice Glass, who released a statement earlier today alleging physical, monetary, and psychological abuse by her former bandmate Ethan Kath. In her statement Glass describes the abuse she experienced starting on the day she first met Kath, who is ten years her senior, at the age of 15 when Kath forcibly intoxicated her.
Glass said that Kath manipulated her, controlled her behavior by denying her access to her own phone or credit card, and would blackmail her into having sex.
“He’d even tell me that he was actively looking for someone to replace me. He kept me insecure and on edge, and then would tell me that he was the only one it the world that believed in me. He told me it was us against everyone, because everyone else thought I was a loser, a joke, a talentless dancing clown. I believed him.”
In a statement to Pitchfork, Kath denied all allegations Glass made against him.
“I am outraged and hurt by the recent statements made by Alice about me and our prior relationship,” Kath said. “Her story is pure fiction and I am consulting my lawyers as to my legal options. Fortunately, there are many witnesses who can and will confirm that I was never abusive to Alice.”
Crystal Castles performed at UC San Diego’s annual Sun God Music Festival back in 2011. Though Glass left Crystal Castles back in 2014, she said that she did not come forth about the abuse until now because of fear, experienced by many survivors of sexual assault and harassment. Glass’s statement comes after the recent resurrection of the #MeToo campaign, in addition to the recent allegations of sexual assault and harassment against major producer Harvey Weinstein.
“This is for my own recovery, for the other women who have been, are currently, or may be in a similar situation with the man who abused me for years,” said Glass. “And for those in abusive relationships who are looking to stand up and speak out.”
Glass is set to play an 8 p.m. solo show tonight at The Observatory North Park.
Amarachi Metu is a staff writer at The Triton.