PWR BTTM Responds to Sexual Assault Accusations

A Facebook user that goes by Kitty Cordero-Kolin recently posted to the private group, DIY Chicago, accusing Ben Hopkins (one half of queer punk duo PWR BTTM) of sexual assault.

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The post includes a photo that recently made the rounds of Hopkins at the beach, next to a swastika drawn into the sand (they addressed the photo on Twitter in December). Cordero-Kolin claims to have seen Hopkins make sexual advances on people without their consent, and they claim to have heard from other parties about Hopkins bullying other queer artists and coming onto minors. The post urges people to boycott their music and not allow them to perform in venues.

In a statement released on Facebook today, PWR BTTM responded to the allegations with respect to sexual assault victims, but claim that Hopkins has not been contacted by anyone with such accusations. In the post, they provide an email address for which anyone can come forward, and they ensured that only a qualified mediator will have access to the account.

Since yesterday, others have come forward supporting sexual assault claims, including the person responsible for the original Facebook post who's now been in contact with other people who back up their claims. Queer bands Adult Mom and T-Rextasy have also come forward, having heard similar claims.

With PWR BTTM's new album, Pageant coming out tomorrow, many fans are disappointed in this news but remain outspoken on the topic of sexual assault.