The Word Alive and guitarist Zack Hansen recently split over accusations of domestic abuse.
Hansen originally issued a statement on May 30, simply noting he was stepping away from the band to handle some personal issues. Footage then surfaced of the alleged domestic abuse by Hansen on Twitter, though that video has since been limited to who can see it. The Word Alive addressed the situation on May 31, saying they had actually fired Hansen over the situation – not that he had chosen to step away.
Now Hansen has issued a separate statement, saying that he was never abusive toward anyone and that it was actually his ex-girlfriend that was abusive toward him. However, Hansen acknowledged his role in his "volatile" relationship, but said he'll be taking steps to stop alleged falsities about him spreading online.
"I know I have been slow to respond to the false and defamatory abuse allegations leveled against me by my ex-girlfriend and her friends, but I had to wait until I had all the documentation needed to prove I am innocent of these offensive allegations," wrote Hansen.
"Let me be clear, I have NEVER abused anyone, especially a woman, and I never would. Any girl I ever dated or was in a relationship with can confirm this.
"My ex-girlfriend and I had a three-year relationship that got progressively more volatile to the point where I needed to disconnect with her and move on.
"Unfortunately, when I tried to leave, she became aggressive. She posted three 30 second videos but maliciously chose to exclude her actions that led up to what you saw in those videos. I was pushed against the wall, punched, choked and yes, spit on. I kept my hands to my side and out of frustration, spit back at her hoping to stop the abuse…
"On another occasion, she wouldn’t let me leave and kept blocking me from the door. Out of frustration, I pulled the shades from the window trying to go out through the window to get away from her. If there is any abuse in this relationship, it was her doing the abusing, not me.
"I know this is all just words, but I have texts and videos, as does my ex-girlfriend, that will back up every word. Since she and her friends decided to post these fictitious allegations, I have been asked to step away from the band that I started and cherish, lost other gigs and have received all kinds of verbal abuse online including death threats and most certainly, my reputation ruined.
"I am keenly aware that it takes two to create a volatile relationship and I will be seeking professional help so I may understand my role to become a better person and partner.
"I look forward to clearing my name and holding those responsible for this false attack on who I am and what I have always stood for accountable. I will be taking action to stop the defamation campaign being waged against me, and I will pursue everyone involved, including my ex and her friends who are spreading lies. I detest abuse of any kind and most certainly abuse of women in any form, as should we all."
