Woman Receives Threats After Calling For Axing Of Brian Jonestown Massacre's Aus Tour
The band's tour is scheduled to commence tonight.
Content warning: This news article contains discussion of sexual assault and rape. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au
Laura Wise, who launched a petition for The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Australian tour to be axed following comments frontman Anton Newcombe made about rape during a show in Sydney on the weekend, has revealed she has contacted police after receiving a number of threats from presumed fans of the band.
As Fairfax reports, Newcombe lashed out at fans and his own band members during the gig at Metro Theatre on Saturday night and told one audience member, "Whatever, you're a dickhead. Your mum probably screamed like that when she was being raped and that's how you were born".
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While a number of fans reportedly walked out of the show following Newcombe's comments, Wise later launched a petition calling for the remainder of the US group's tour to be cancelled.
Last night at the Metro, Anton Newcombe made a rape “joke” to a fan, went on a tirade against A Place To Bury Strangers and BRMC, insulted several of his band members, and called the audience “baboons”, blaming Sydney’s lock-out laws on that. pic.twitter.com/Jzb6QQnNGp
— Elena Wewer (@ElenaWewer) June 9, 2018
"I've had many comments from women and men supportive of my stance but sadly have spent the last almost 36 hours being harassed and abused online (mostly by men) for standing up against this behaviour," Wise said in a statement given to The Music.
"This morning, I awoke to a threat of rape by a man online (through Facebook), I have never met who is from Sydney.
"He did so because I took a stand against rape. This is what happens when women speak out. This is why so many women don’t.
"At the time I saw it, two men had liked his post and two actually laughed at it. I am reporting this to the police but this is why what Anton Newcombe said CAN NO LONGER be tolerated at gigs, at work, in the community.
"This is why I'm fighting in every way today to get this petition out to as many people as possible today."
See the petition here.
BJM's tour continued in Wollongong on Sunday night and they are scheduled to perform in Canberra tonight.
The Music has contacted Metro Theatre and the Australian promoters for comment.
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