Greep Apologizes for Kissing Sleeping Woman as Band Fractures
Geordie Greep has issued a formal apology after admitting he kissed a woman while she was asleep in Vancouver. The incident, which occurred on October 8, led to the cancellation of his North American tour and the departure of key band members. While Greep described the act as a 'huge mistake' and denied rape, the accuser and former keyboardist Cameron Campbell confirmed the assault, stating that consent cannot be given to a sleeping person. Greep’s European tour remains scheduled, but the controversy has fractured his touring band.
Key points
- Greep admitted to kissing the woman, who was asleep, and apologized on Instagram on October 14.
- The accuser, using the pseudonym Laura, clarified that she was sexually assaulted but not raped, correcting earlier unauthorized flyers.
- Former keyboardist Cameron Campbell quit the band, stating that a sleeping person cannot consent to being kissed.
- Remaining North American tour dates were canceled, with refunds issued for venues in Boulder, Boise, Denver, and Salt Lake City.
- Greep’s European tour, starting November 1 in the Netherlands, remains scheduled.
Background
This incident follows a series of earlier reports where Greep initially described the event as a 'misunderstanding' on stage in Vancouver. Previous coverage noted the immediate cancellation of US tour dates and the departure of band members, but this briefing synthesizes the detailed accounts from the accuser and former bandmates that emerged on October 14.
How outlets are covering it
Paste Magazine and Rolling Stone provided the most detailed accounts, featuring the accuser's statement and the departure of keyboardist Cameron Campbell. Paste emphasized the accuser's desire to correct misinformation, while Rolling Stone highlighted the band's fractured response, including bassist Dave Strawn's condemnation. Pitchfork focused on the cancellation of tour dates and Greep's Instagram response. The Needle Drop synthesized these reports, noting the accuser's clarification that the incident was sexual assault, not rape, and Greep's admission that he mistakenly believed the woman was interested in him. All sources agree on the core facts: the kiss occurred while the woman was asleep, the band fractured, and the North American tour was canceled, but they differ in emphasis on the accuser's agency versus Greep's apology.
Why it matters
This case highlights the complexities of consent and the impact of misinformation on sexual assault allegations. The accuser's decision to speak out was driven by a desire to correct the narrative and protect the credibility of rape victims, while Greep's apology and the band's departure underscore the consequences of misconduct in the music industry. The incident also raises questions about the role of unauthorized disclosures in shaping public perception.
What to watch
Greep is scheduled to begin his European tour on November 1 in the Netherlands. The accuser has expressed a desire to move on with her life, while the band members who quit have indicated they will not perform with Greep again. No further legal action has been reported, but the incident may continue to impact Greep's reputation and future collaborations.
- Geordie Greep sexual assault accuser speaks out, Greep apologizes The Needle Drop
- “My voice was taken away”: Geordie Greep's alleged victim and ex-bandmate both come forward Paste Magazine
- Geordie Greep Responds to Accuser’s Sexual Misconduct Allegations Pitchfork
- Woman Accusing Geordie Greep of Sexual Assault Alleges Singer Kissed Her While She Slept Rolling Stone
- Geordie Greep’s Alleged Victim Speaks Out, Greep Responds Stereogum
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Needle Drop