Henderson has apologised to former members and crew, acknowledging she created tension and treated people poorly. She cited burnout and health difficulties but said these did not excuse her behaviour.
VCTMS drummer Meredith Henderson has apologised to former members and touring crew following allegations of mistreatment from former guitarist Michael Joseph Clampitt and former touring bassist and technician Davion Cuttler.
In a statement published on 14 October, Henderson acknowledged creating tension and treating people poorly. She said burnout and health difficulties did not excuse her behaviour: “That is entirely on me.”
Clampitt announced his departure on 8 October after five years with the Illinois metalcore band. Clampitt alleged mistreatment of musicians and crew and acknowledged that he had failed to intervene.
In her initial response, before Cuttler’s statement, Henderson said she was reflecting before speaking further.
Cuttler added his account in an Instagram statement on 11 October, alleging repeated verbal abuse, physical aggression and delayed payments. His allegations have not been independently verified.
Cuttler said he was hired crew rather than a band member, with no authority over decisions. He played bass on tour and operated VCTMS’ playback and monitoring equipment for more than two years.
He alleged Henderson threw van keys towards his face after he asked for them to retrieve equipment and belongings. Cuttler said the keys broke the skin on his hand as he tried to block them, in front of touring personnel and venue staff. Henderson’s new statement did not specifically address that allegation.
Cuttler also alleged late payments left him struggling to afford food and basic necessities. Henderson said crew from the most recent tour had been paid and invited anyone owed money from earlier tours to contact her or vocalist John Matalone. BLUNT has not independently verified those payments. Henderson did not say whether crew had been paid on time.
Cuttler had announced a touring hiatus on 16 August, citing his health and home life. In October, he said those reasons remained true, but difficulties working with Henderson were another reason he had initially left out.
Cuttler also condemned hateful and sexist remarks directed at those involved, saying his aim was accountability and change.
Henderson had not responded directly to BLUNT’s enquiry about Cuttler’s allegations by publication. Cuttler had not responded to a request for supporting material or a witness contact.
In a separate statement on 10 October, before Cuttler’s post, Matalone addressed Clampitt’s allegations. He acknowledged reactions from Henderson he considered disproportionate and apologised for mediation attempts that left people feeling dismissed or unheard.
Matalone said he did not consider himself abused and did not want that to invalidate others’ experiences.
Matalone said he intended to remain in VCTMS and honour existing commitments before reassessing the band’s future. Henderson’s new statement said she respected Clampitt and Cuttler’s decisions to leave and would discuss the next steps with Matalone.
MORE IN News
