"The only immediate option was to disband:" Anti-Flag speak out on allegations against frontman Justin Greever

Members of the punk band Anti-Flag issued a statement yesterday following the band's abrupt break up last week. Fans had speculated the sudden disbanding was due to sexual assault allegations made earlier in the month.

Kristina Sarhadi, a therapist and social worker from New York told "the Enough Podcast," on July 19 that the frontman of a band raped her years ago after she attended a show.

Sarhadi did not give the name of the attacker, but users on Reddit quickly began drawing connections to Justin Greever. All social media and the official website for the band were deleted the same day Sarhadi went public with her story.

Greever, who performs under the name Justin Sane, initially responded in a statement claiming the allegations are "categorically false," and that "the statements being told about me are the antithesis of what I believe and how I have conducted myself throughout my life."

Greever also affirmed his support for victims of sexual assault, saying "I have devoted my entire adult life to standing up for these victims... I have always been, and will always be, that person."

Some fans have called the statement tone-deaf, and are now reckoning with the band's legacy in their lives.

To those of you who made positive changes in your life because of #AntiFlag, those who became sober, those who became less bigoted, those who kept living because of their words:

The person who inspired you may be a monster, but your growth is still valid and important.

— Spike Ⓜ️ (@fasteronfire525) July 20, 2023

Despite Greever's statement, the other three members of the band agreed it should disband effective immediately.

Pat Thetic, Chris "#2" Barker and Chris Head issued a joint statement yesterday that read, "A core tenet of the band Anti-Flag is to listen to and believe all survivors of sexual violence and abuse. The recent allegations about Justin are in direct contradiction to that tenet. Therefore, we felt the only immediate option was to disband."

They added, "We understand and apologize that this response may not have been quick enough for some people. This is new territory for all of us and it is taking time for us to process the situation."

Many listeners were disappointed and angry upon hearing the allegations, given the overtly feminist nature of many of the band's songs, like "Feminism is for Everyone (with a Beating Heart and a Functioning Brian)."

There's two things I know: 1 - This community built around Anti-Flag proves we're the ones actually living the message Justin preached. 2 - He won't be welcome back to this scene. This doesn't slip under the rug and as he shows up again in 2025. He's. Fucking. Done.

— Jenn Fuson (@JennyHero) July 21, 2023

Anti-Flag was in the middle of a European tour at the time the allegations broke. A post made to the band's Patreon announced they would cancel all remaining dates and refund the money for tickets purchased.

The band was set to support another punk band, The Bouncing Souls, on their tour in a few months time, but a spokesperson for the the management company that represents the band has since confirmed Anti-Flag will no longer be part of the tour.

Anti-Flag's last performance was Saturday, June 24 in Munster Germany.

For help or advice about rape, sexual assault or domestic abuse, visit the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre website, or call the National 24-hour helpline at 1800 77 8888.