Vulvodynia’s new vocalist Zion Bittenbender is facing sexual assault allegations less than a week after joining the band.
Content warning: this article discusses instances of sexual assault.
South African deathcore band Vulvodynia have issued a statement after their new vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, was accused of sexual assault and misconduct. The allegations surfaced only days after Bittenbender was announced as the band’s new frontman.
The accusations were made in a detailed Instagram post by an alleged victim, who shared screenshots and messages describing several incidents of assault. According to the post, Bittenbender allegedly assaulted multiple partners while they were asleep, dated a 16-year-old when he was 19, and had a pattern of pursuing significantly younger women.
One account described a situation in which Bittenbender allegedly attempted to have sex with the accuser without consent. When they pulled away, he reportedly forced himself onto them before leaving the room. Upon returning, he allegedly remarked that they were embarrassed because they “couldn’t get turned on.”
After the claims went public on Thursday, November 6, both Bittenbender and Vulvodynia released statements addressing the situation.
In their official response, Vulvodynia wrote:
“We’re aware of the serious allegations that have recently surfaced online involving one of our members. We know how distressing and emotional this kind of news can be, and we understand that many people in our community are reacting strongly to it. We want to make it clear that we are taking this matter very seriously. Out of respect for everyone involved, and to ensure that the situation is handled fairly and responsibly, we will be allowing the appropriate legal and professional channels to take their course before making any further comment.”
Bittenbender also denied the allegations, calling them “false and deeply hurtful.” In his statement, he wrote:
“The allegations being spread about me are completely untrue. I did not commit the act I am being accused of, and I have never been charged with or investigated for such a crime.”
The Vulvodynia frontman added that similar claims had “resurfaced multiple times over the years” and said he is taking “appropriate legal and professional steps” to address the situation.
“I have 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I love dearly and being accused of harming a woman is something I am completely incapable of and those who know me and my character know that I would never do such a thing. I take matters like this very seriously and have always conducted myself with integrity and respect toward others. Those who know me personally and professionally know the truth about my character.”
“I am taking appropriate legal and professional steps to address this defamation and harassment. I will not engage further on social media about this matter. I feel as though making false allegations of something as serious as this is taking away from what real victims have experienced and gone through and my heart goes out to them.”
“Thank you to those who have reached out with support or concern. I appreciate your understanding as I handle this situation through the proper channels. Everyone is innocent until shown to be guilty or whatever, but I’ve got to point out that just because you have two sisters and a girlfriend doesn’t mean you haven’t been or couldn’t be inappropriate with other women. Just sayin, but we’ll see where it goes from here.”
Vulvodynia’s official statement was released 10 hours ago at the time of writing – we will provide any further updates as they come through.
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