Geordie Greep Apologizes for Kissing Sleeping Woman as Bandmates Quit

Key points

• Greep apologized via Instagram, admitting he kissed the woman while she slept but claiming he mistakenly believed she was interested in him.
• The accuser, speaking under the pseudonym Laura, confirmed she was sexually assaulted but clarified she was not raped, correcting misinformation spread by unauthorized flyers.
• Keyboardist Cameron Campbell quit the band, stating he heard the victim’s reaction and could not continue working with Greep after witnessing the aftermath.
• Bassist Dave Strawn also condemned the incident, stating that drinking is no excuse for violating bodily autonomy.
• Greep’s European tour, starting November 1 in the Netherlands, remains scheduled despite the cancellations in North America.

Background

This incident follows a series of sexual misconduct allegations in the music and academic sectors, including recent coverage of a Cornell University case. Greep had previously canceled several US tour dates in early October after addressing the controversy on stage in Vancouver, where he described the event as a 'misunderstanding' and pledged proceeds to a sexual violence charity.

How outlets are covering it

Paste Magazine and Rolling Stone highlight the accuser’s desire to reclaim her narrative and correct the false 'rape' label used in flyers distributed without her consent. The Needle Drop emphasizes Greep’s admission of guilt and the band members’ departure. While Greep frames the incident as a 'huge mistake' and a misunderstanding, Campbell and Strawn reject this characterization, arguing that kissing a sleeping person constitutes non-consensual assault. The outlets agree that the incident has caused significant professional consequences for Greep, including tour cancellations and the departure of key band members.

Why it matters

The case underscores the ongoing debate around consent, the impact of misinformation on public discourse, and the accountability of public figures in the music industry. It also highlights the importance of accurate language in reporting sexual misconduct to avoid diminishing the severity of actual rape cases.

What to watch

Greep is scheduled to begin his European tour in November. The accuser has stated she hopes to move on with her life and that the incident will serve as a lesson for Greep. No further legal action has been reported, but the public discourse continues to focus on the definition of sexual assault versus rape.