Sydney celt-punk outfit The Rumjacks have issued a lengthy statement in response to yesterday’s story here on PEDESTRIAN.TV that revealed a swathe of venues around the country were cancelling planned gigs from the band, after concerns about singer Frankie McLaughlin‘s previous conviction for domestic assault-related crimes surfaced.
“In response to various articles published in the Australian Music media today, we would like the
opportunity to separate the facts from some of the false allegations that have surfaced in recent
days.”
“Frankie McLaughlin was convicted in 2012 with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harmand one count of common assault against a former partner. He served a 16-month custodial
sentence.”
“There are various people now engaged in a campaign to have venues throughout Australia boycottThe Rumjacks. Frankie McLaughlin has never been convicted of sexual assault or rape, as has been
published by a number of people on social media and elsewhere. Steps have been taken to have
these allegations retracted.”
“The band sat down at Big Sound 2015 with QMusic and the #noton/White Ribbon campaign againstdomestic violence to discuss issues of safety for women at live music venues and in our community,
and Frankie has pledged his support for the principals of #noton. Frankie has publicly acknowledged
his past and his commitment to never repeating these actions again. Part of this campaign
highlighted the importance of ce and rehabilitation for male perpetrators as a goal. Frankie has
taken constructive steps to deal with his criminality through counselling and healthier lifestyle
choices.”
It should be stated and clarified at this point that the band’s participation at the Big Sound 2015 conference was only allowed after extensive deliberation from QMusic.
“We regret that some of the organisations we work alongside in the music industry have had their
reputations questioned because of their association with us. We ask that you address any concerns
and issues directly to the band.”
“The Rumjacks are not hiding from this conviction and have never attempted to withhold this
information from anyone. The band understands and appreciates the concerns of people in the
community surrounding domestic violence, and believe in rehabilitation and the legal and criminal
justice system, and we hope that people will look at the facts before coming to a decision to boycott
venues involved with The Rumjacks.”
The band’s Facebook wall has been deactivated since yesterday, and numerous negative comments appear to have been either hidden from the public, or deleted altogether.
“I fully acknowledge and apologise for my wrongdoing and I regret the long lasting damage to my
former partner caused by my actions. I also regret that each time we perform, she is harmed
through discussions on social media. I have endeavoured to deal with my issues through regular
counselling and positive lifestyle changes. I have changed my life for the better since my jail term
through focus and hard work and it is my intention to draw awareness to the issue of domestic
violence in the future and to actively support efforts to eradicate it from our society.” – Frankie
McLaughlin.
Yesterday we reported that the Hamilton Station Hotel in Newcastle refused to book the band, despite winding up on the poster for the band’s planned 5-month, 35-date tour.
