ZION BITTENBENDER Of VULVODYNIA No Longer Touring With Band Due To Sexual Assault Allegations

South African deathcore outfit Vulvodynia is having a reasonably tough week. After allegations of sexual assault surfaced on-line towards their new vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, Bittenbender has now left the band’s present tour as a result of allegations.

Initially addressing the scenario on November sixth, Steel Injection reported that Vulvodynia launched the next assertion on Fb: “We’re conscious of the intense allegations which have not too long ago surfaced on-line involving certainly one of our members. We all know how distressing and emotional this type of information could be, and we perceive that many individuals in our neighborhood are reacting strongly to it. We wish to make it clear that we’re taking this matter very critically. Out of respect for everybody concerned, and to make sure that the scenario is dealt with pretty and responsibly, we can be permitting the suitable authorized {and professional} channels to take their course earlier than making any additional remark.”

Bittenbender launched his personal assertion on Instagram tales: “Just lately, false and deeply hurtful statements have been made about me on-line. I wish to handle this instantly and clearly. The allegations being unfold about me are utterly unfaithful. I didn’t commit the act I’m being accused of, and I’ve by no means been charged with or investigated for such against the law.

Sadly, these claims have resurfaced a number of instances over time and have precipitated pointless hurt to my private {and professional} life. I’ve remained silent out of respect for privateness and since I believed the reality would communicate for itself. Nonetheless, the continued unfold of those falsehoods has left me no alternative however to talk publicly.

I’ve 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I really like dearly, and being accused of harming a girl is one thing I’m utterly incapable o,f and people who know me and my character know that I might by no means do such a factor. I take issues like this very critically and have all the time carried out myself with integrity and respect towards others. Those that know me personally and professionally know the reality about my character.

I’m taking applicable authorized {and professional} steps to handle this defamation and harassment. I cannot interact additional on social media about this matter. I really feel as if making false allegations of one thing as severe as that is taking away from what actual victims have skilled and gone by, and my coronary heart goes out to them.

Thanks to those that have reached out with help or concern. I admire your understanding as I deal with this example by the right channels.”

Now, just some brief days later, it has been introduced that Zion Bittenbender is not becoming a member of Vulvodynia on tour, a job that he took to permit guitarist Lwandile Prusent to step again from vocal duties, which Prusent will now need to resume. The most recent assertion about Bittenbender‘s absence got here from the tour was posted to Vulvodynia‘s Instagram and is as follows:

“Following the latest allegations circulating on-line involving our vocalist, Zion Bittenbender, we wish to present an replace relating to our touring plans.

After cautious dialogue, Zion can be returning house from our present tour in Asia to give attention to addressing these issues by the suitable authorized channels. Dealing with this responsibly could be extraordinarily troublesome whereas persevering with to tour internationally, so this determination has been made in everybody’s greatest pursuits.

Lwandile Prusent, who initially fronted Vulvodynia and has since been acting on guitar, will resume vocal duties for the remained of 2025 to make sure our commitments are fulfilled.

We admire everybody’s understanding and help whereas this example is dealt with correctly and respectfully.”