Win Butler Sexual Misconduct; Meet The Women Who Accused Him

Win Butler, the frontman for the band Arcade Fire, has broken his silence after multiple people came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to an online report, “three women made allegations of sexual interactions with Butler that they came to feel were inappropriate given the gaps in age, power dynamics, and context in which they occurred.”

These interactions allegedly occurred when Butler was much older than the women, and they also allegedly occurred in a context that was inappropriate for such interactions.

The three women all claimed to be fans of the band and ranged in age from 18 to 23. According to the allegations, the incidents took place between the years 2016 and 2020.

A fourth individual has come forward with allegations that Butler “sexually assaulted them twice in 2015, when they were 21 and he was 34.” This allegation was made by the individual who came forward with the allegations. Pitchfork claims to have receipts of the messages that were sent back and forth between them and Butler, and they have details regarding the encounters that took place.

Butler, who co-founded the band in 2001 with Regine Chassagne, who is now his wife, has admitted to the encounters but disputes the accounts, stating through a spokesperson that they were consensual even though he has admitted to having them. Below you will find statements made by Butler and Chassagne. 

Win Butler’s Response To Sexual Misconduct Allegations

“I love Régine with all of my heart. We have been together for twenty years, she is my partner in music and in life, my soulmate and I am lucky and grateful to have her by my side. But at times, it has been difficult to balance being the father, husband, and bandmate that I want to be. Today I want to clear the air about my life, poor judgment, and mistakes I have made,”

“I have had consensual relationships outside of my marriage,” “the majority of these relationships were short lived, and my wife is aware.”

“I say to you all my friends, family, to anyone I have hurt and to the people who love my music and are shocked and disappointed by this report: I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the pain I caused – I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I fucked up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences. I can do better and I will do better.”

Win Butler’s Wife Response

Win Butler’s wife, Régine Chassagne responded to the allegations by saying;

“Win is my soulmate, my songwriting partner, my husband, the father of my beautiful boy. He has been my partner in life and in music for 20 years. And for all of the love in our lives, I have also watched him suffer through immense pain. I have stood by him because I know he is a good man who cares about this world, our band, his fans, friends, and our family. I’ve known Win since before we were “famous,” when we were just ordinary college students. I know what is in his heart, and I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did. He has lost his way and he has found his way back. I love him and love the life we have created together.”