Arcade Fire is nominated for Group of the Year at the 2023 Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys. The nod was a surprise for some, given the allegations of sexual misconduct against frontman Win Butler that surfaced last year.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which presents the Junos, tells Canada’s CBC that Arcade Fire’s nomination is “one for the entire band.”
“While we take the allegations very seriously, in this situation, we are also honoring the rest of the band for their success,” the statement reads. “We hope the allegations against Butler will not detract from the achievements of the other group members.”
Butler was accused of sexual misconduct by four people in a report published by Pitchfork last August. The allegations range from sending unwanted sexually explicit photos and demanding such photos and videos from women to sexual assault.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Butler maintained that his encounters with all four accusers were “mutual and always between consenting adults.”
A fifth person came forward to Pitchfork with sexual misconduct allegations against Butler last November. A rep for Butler did not respond to that allegation.
Despite the allegations, Arcade Fire continued to tour throughout 2022. However, opening acts including Beck and Feist dropped off their respective legs during the worldwide trek.
The 2023 Junos take place on March 13. Arcade Fire’s 2022 album, WE, is also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at this Sunday’s Grammys.
If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.
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