After Sexual Abuse Allegations, Queer Duo PWR BTTM Lose Opening Act, Cancel Release Show

It was reported this week that allegations surfaced online, accusing one member of the queer punk duo PWR BTTM of sexual abuse and anti-Semitism. Since the allegations came to light, the band, made up of Ben Hopkins and Liv Bruce, is suffering blowback, Pitchfork reports.

In a lengthy statement posted to social media, the PWR BTTM responded to the accusations Thursday, writing "these allegations are shocking to us and we take them very seriously" and "the alleged behavior is not representative of who Ben is." The band's new album "Pageant" is out today but Pitchfork reports PWR BTTM's opening act for July, T-Rextasty, pulled out of the tour. Additionally, PWR BTTM's two touring members, Cameron West and Nicholas Cummins, have also distanced themselves from the band.

PWR BTTM were set to play a record release show at Rough Trade in Brooklyn but that event has been canceled.

Taking to Facebook, West wrote he was "shocked" about the allegations and that he is "ending tenure with the band." Cummins echoed similar statements, tweeting he was "horrified."

T-Rextasty explained nixing their tour with PWR BTTM, tweeting: "We made a mistake supporting this band. We put our career above the safety of fans who have trusted us and supported us and there's no way for us to remedy that."

The person who made allegations against Hopkins claims they have "personally seen" Hopkins "initiate inappropriate sexual contact with people despite severe 'nos' and without warning or consent." The allegations were made in a Facebook group for Chicago's DYI scene. The person also shared a photo of Hopkins posing next to a swastika drawn in the sand on a beach, which Hopkins previously addressed in December 2016.

A Twitter user took screenshots of the allegations, which can be viewed below.