In the midst of a string of Irish tour dates, acclaimed Dublin band SPRINTS have shared a statement – claiming that, over the weekend, lead vocalist Karla Chubb "was sexually assaulted for the second time on the Letter To Self tour."

The tour has been underway since February, and includes a run of shows across Europe, America, the UK and Ireland.

"The fact that this has occurred twice is abhorrent, the fact it still happens at all is disgusting," the four-piece continued. "We will not stand for it and we will not be silent about it."

SPRINTS went on to call out the abusive treatment of female performers at live gigs as a widespread problem.

"Female performers should be able to engage with their audience, step off the stage or perform without fear of groping, unwanted touching, cat-calling and harassment," they wrote. "The fact that this is still an every day occurrence for most women is beyond reprehensible.

"To those who noticed and called out the behaviour yesterday, thank you," the statement concluded. "To those of you responsible for the behaviour, shame on you. Do better."

Notes on yesterday. pic.twitter.com/NVPvFf03d1

— SPRINTS (@SPRINTSmusic) April 21, 2024

They are not the first band to have spoken out about the issue.

Safe Spaces Now, a UK music industry initiative, shared an open letter in 2021, calling for live music to become safe and inclusive for everyone. The letter – signed by Glastonbury's Emily Eavis, Paloma Faith, Laura Whitmore, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sigrid and more – stated that, "within the music sector, over 60% of workers have experienced sexual harassment."

"The vast majority of incidents go unreported, with over 95% of women not reporting sexual harassment," the letter continued. "Almost half of UK musicians have faced sexual harassment at work, with workplace culture being cited as the greatest barrier to reporting."

Fans, fellow musicians and voices from across the music industry shared their support for SPRINTS following the release of the band's statement.

"Ugh. Fuckers," Pillow Queens commented. "Sorry that happened you Karla. Sending love."

Leeds band Astoria wrote online: "This is really sad to hear. Everybody needs to do their bit to make sure that gigs can be a safe environment for everyone."

Safe Gigs Ireland – an initiative established at the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork – also spoke out, writing online: "This is not ok."

As explained on their website, Safe Gigs aim "to make gigs and nightlife safer, for everyone."

"We want to eliminate discrimination and sexual violence in nightlife by creating a zero-tolerance environment for all forms of violence and unacceptable behaviour," they state.

You can get involved in Safe Gigs, or find out more about their work, here.

To get in touch with the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, click here, or freephone 1800 496 496