Fans of Arcade Fire are calling for the band to cancel their tour so that refunds for tickets can be issued. The move comes as the Canadian indie rockers are facing backlash after a weekend report detailed multiple sexual misconduct allegations against frontman Win Butler.
"Can you please do the decent thing and cancel your European tour so your fans can get their money back? Thanks," wrote one of the many fans who have requested the tour be scrapped in the comments section of Arcade Fire's official Instagram account.
"Give us refunds Win you creep," said another.
On Saturday, Pitchfork published the accounts of four people who accused Butler of behaving inappropriately. All four accusers—three woman and a gender-fluid person who uses they/them pronouns—were between the ages of 18 and 23 when the alleged misconduct would have occurred, and Butler would have been between 36 and 39. Their allegations range from unsolicited sexual texts to forceful touching and sexual assault.
In statements to Pitchfork, Butler denied allegations of misconduct while saying he had consensual sexual interactions with the four individuals.
His denial has not satisfied many fans who are demanding their money back after buying admission to upcoming shows.
"REFUND THE TICKET!! Take a Break and find a way to solve the Problem!!" read an Instagram message.
Another comment said, "Pretty bad form of the band/promotors to continue the tour when there is no refund option for those of us who no longer feel comfortable attending. These tickets were really expensive during a cost of living crisis—fans shouldn't be faced with either being out of pocket by a large sum of money, or attending a show where they will feel uncomfortable. Grim."
Arcade Fire has not indicated any change to touring plans yet. The Grammy-winning group kicked off its current tour on Tuesday in Dublin, Ireland, and they are scheduled to play dates throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and North America in the fall.
Feist, a fellow Canadian musician, opened for the group in Dublin. Photos from the gig have circulated on social media which purportedly showed a merchandise table for Feist. A sign on the table announced the artist was donating all her merchandise proceeds to an organization dedicated to stopping domestic violence.
Among the Instagram messages for the band to call off the rest of the tour were some posts that expressed support for Régine Chassagne, who is a multi-instrumentalist in Arcade Fire as well as Butler's wife.
"TEAM RÉGINE," one fan posted, while another wrote: "Poor, sweet, beautiful Regine."
Other posts indicated that whoever runs Arcade Fire's Instagram account was deleting negative messages.
"Deleting comments and going ahead [with] business as usual I see. Classy," a person wrote.
"C'mon, guys. You've been erasing all the negative comments from your posts. Is it all you have to say about what's been going on? Been a fan of your work for the past 20 years, don't do it like that," another person said.
Some messages expressed sympathy for those who have accused Butler of misconduct.
"So sorry for all the young people abused by Win, I hope they get the support and help they need to recover," a comment read. "Heartbroken for the rest of the band and hope Regine finds her own way eventually. The whole thing is very bleak."
When reached for comment, an Arcade Fire representative referred Newsweek to Butler's statements to Pitchfork.
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