ZION BITTENBENDER Of VULVODYNIA No Longer Touring With Band Due To Sexual Assault Allegations

South African deathcore outfit Vulvodynia is having a reasonably tough week. After allegations of sexual assault surfaced on-line in opposition to their new vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, Bittenbender has now left the band’s present tour because of the allegations.

Initially addressing the state of affairs on November sixth, Steel Injection reported that Vulvodynia launched the next assertion on Fb: “We’re conscious of the intense allegations which have just lately surfaced on-line involving one in every of our members. We all know how distressing and emotional this type of information may be, and we perceive that many individuals in our group are reacting strongly to it. We need to make it clear that we’re taking this matter very significantly. Out of respect for everybody concerned, and to make sure that the state of affairs is dealt with pretty and responsibly, we shall be permitting the suitable authorized {and professional} channels to take their course earlier than making any additional remark.”

Bittenbender launched his personal assertion on Instagram tales: “Lately, false and deeply hurtful statements have been made about me on-line. I need to tackle this immediately and clearly. The allegations being unfold about me are fully unfaithful. I didn’t commit the act I’m being accused of, and I’ve by no means been charged with or investigated for such a criminal offense.

Sadly, these claims have resurfaced a number of instances through the years and have triggered pointless hurt to my private {and professional} life. I’ve remained silent out of respect for privateness and since I believed the reality would converse for itself. Nonetheless, the continued unfold of those falsehoods has left me no selection however to talk publicly.

I’ve 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I like dearly, and being accused of harming a girl is one thing I’m fully incapable o,f and people who know me and my character know that I’d by no means do such a factor. I take issues like this very significantly and have all the time carried out myself with integrity and respect towards others. Those that know me personally and professionally know the reality about my character.

I’m taking acceptable authorized {and professional} steps to handle this defamation and harassment. I cannot have interaction additional on social media about this matter. I really feel as if making false allegations of one thing as severe as that is taking away from what actual victims have skilled and gone by means of, and my coronary heart goes out to them.

Thanks to those that have reached out with assist or concern. I recognize your understanding as I deal with this example by means of the correct channels.”

Now, only a few quick days later, it has been introduced that Zion Bittenbender is now not becoming a member of Vulvodynia on tour, a task that he took to permit guitarist Lwandile Prusent to step again from vocal duties, which Prusent will now should resume. The most recent assertion about Bittenbender‘s absence got here from the tour was posted to Vulvodynia‘s Instagram and is as follows:

“Following the current allegations circulating on-line involving our vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, we need to present an replace relating to our touring plans.

After cautious dialogue, Zion shall be returning house from our present tour in Asia to deal with addressing these issues by means of the suitable authorized channels. Dealing with this responsibly could be extraordinarily troublesome whereas persevering with to tour internationally, so this resolution has been made in everybody’s finest pursuits.

Lwandile Prusent, who initially fronted Vulvodynia and has since been acting on guitar, will resume vocal duties for the remained of 2025 to make sure our commitments are fulfilled.

We recognize everybody’s understanding and assist whereas this example is dealt with correctly and respectfully.”