The band state they “did not know” about the former frontman’s crimes.
The former bandmates of Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins have said they are “heartbroken, angry and disgusted” at the revelations of the singer’s sexual abuse of children.
In a statement published on Facebook, the band said they “did not” know about Watkins’ crimes, which included the attempted rape of an 11-month-old. “We never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted,” they stated.
Watkins pleaded guilty to a range of child sex offences in Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday after having previously denied all charges. His two female co-defendants also admitted a string of abuses against their own children, including aiding and abetting rape and taking and distributing indecent photographs.
Prosecutor Chris Clee QC this afternoon described Watkins as a “determined and committed paedophile”. The singer and the two co-defendants will be sentenced on December 18.
Following his appearance in court, a former girlfriend of Watkins claimed she had warned police that the singer was paedophile four years ago, but was ignored.
Lostprophets announced their split in October. [via NME]
Here’s the full statement from Watkins’ bandmates:
Earlier this week, we learned that the allegations of child sexual abuse against Ian were true, and that he would not be contesting them in court. Until then, we found them extremely difficult to believe and had hoped it was all a mistake. Sadly, the true extent of his appalling behaviour is now impossible to deny.
Many of you understandably want to know if we knew what Ian was doing. To be clear: We did not. We knew that Ian was a difficult character. Our personal relationships with him had deteriorated in recent years to a point that working together was a constant, miserable challenge. But despite his battles with drugs, his egotistic behaviour, and the resulting fractures and frustrations within our band, we never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted.
We are heartbroken, angry, and disgusted at what has been revealed. This is something that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Being in a band has always been a labour of love and a platform to inspire people, not to take advantage of them. It’s still hard to believe this is happening and that someone we were once so close to has destroyed so many lives, lying every step of the way.
Our hearts go out to Ian’s family, the fans and friends he betrayed, and most importantly, the victims of his crimes and others like them. We hope for justice, but also that Ian will truly take responsibility for what he’s done. We would urge any other victims to contact the authorities.
Jamie, Lee, Luke, Mike and Stu
