Festival's move to book convicted abuser Tom Meighan prompts band to pull out
Several acts have pulled out of a festival after organisers defended booking ex-Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan.
Sheffield indie music festival Be Reyt prompted outrage earlier this month after announcing Meighan, who in July 2020 was convicted of assaulting his now-wife Vikki Ager, was set to headline the event.
The 'Underdog' singer pleaded guilty to domestic abuse after an incident at the couple's home and was sentenced to community service and a fine.
Music fans fumed about the announcement, while organisers stood by it claiming Meighan - who has previously been open about his struggles with alcohol abuse at the time of the assault - said he deserved a "second chance" and shouldn't be "cast out from the music community after working hard to better himself".
Since the controversial decision, several acts booked for the event have dropped out.
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West Midlands four-piece, Jack Cattell, announced their decision to pull-out, telling fans "some things are more important", while solo act Ryan Redwood made a similar statement as he U-turned on the event.
Singer Ryan told fans: "I've taken the decision to pull out of Be Reyt Festival on the 6th of May due to obvious reasons.
"Gutted as it would have been a massive opportunity for me but this is definitely the right decision.
"Some things matter more than music. Much love, see you soon Sheffield."
Musician Ryan Redwood said some things 'matter more than music' (Jam Press)The Clause, who were also booked to headline, similarly backed out of playing citing "recent developments we were not made aware of when booked".
Meighan made the shock announcement in summer 2020 that he would be leaving the band, citing "personal reasons".
The following day the singer appeared before magistrates in Leicester where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss Ager, who he has since married.
The court heard Meighan "smelled heavily of intoxicants" at the time.
Network and Record Junkee, the venue running the event, said mental health was an important issue to them.
The Clause announced their decision to pull out of the festival following 'recent developments' (Jam Press)"With this in mind," a spokesperson said, "we agreed to make Tom Meighan our headline act for 'Be Reyt' a co-promoted music event with Away Days, a festival dedicated to showcasing the best upcoming indie acts.
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"Tom Meighan has suffered in the past with publicised mental health issues and admitted to allegations of abuse towards his partner, which contributed to him stepping down from his role as the singer and frontman of Kasabian.
"In no way do our companies believe domestic abuse or abuse of any type is acceptable. Nobody should have to suffer any type of abuse.
"However, we do believe that people deserve a second chance. Tom has been to rehab and is now married to Vikki Ager.
"He's been confirmed for several festivals up and down the country including Sheffield, supporting acts such as Noel Gallagher and Razorlight, whilst also headlining his own shows at O2 Academies."
The festival poster featuring Tom Meighan (Jam Press)The organisers added: "It has been brought to our attention that there is a campaign online asking people to boycott our venue because of Tom’s presence.
"We do not accept that Tom should be cast out from the music community after working hard to better himself.
"We only ask for the same understanding that is given to the numerous venues across the country that allow him to perform either as a support act or a headline act.
"We will continue to support a diverse range of acts and styles as we have always done and we look forward to welcoming you to our venue for this event and many more events to come."
The Mirror has contacted the festival for further comment.
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