Former Of Mine & Men Singer Austin Carlie Accused Of Sexual Assault
Multiple women come forward to detail their experiences...
Former *Of Mice & Men* singer *Austin Carlie* has been accused of multiple sexual assaults.
Last week US outlet *Alt Press* ran a story reporting some of Austin Carlie's social media posts, detailing his thoughts on COVID-19, racial unrest, and the potential return of Jesus.
Spotting this, writer *Caitlyn Stiffler *posted a lengthy open letter, stating that she gathered testimony from more than dozen women detailing horrendous experiences at the hands of Austin Carlie.
*Alt Press* were accused of spiking the story, with corroboration coming from Stiffler's husband, and photographer *Megan Thompson*.
Find the full letter below.
Dear Alternative Press,
Remember when over 15 girls shared their stories with you about this serial rapist? Because I do. I was one of them.
Now you want to not only share HIS nonsense, but you want to put his name next to Jesus? No, just, no. It’s not okay.
The alternative community has followed you for YEARS. I followed your stories so closely all through high school and watched my artist friends be featured by your magazine. To be contacted by you to share my story, in hopes that it wouldn’t keep happening to other girls, felt like a dream.
Finally there was something I could do, considering I was told by law enforcement that there was nothing else I could hope for with no physical evidence. I never thought anyone would believe me or take this seriously, then there was your magazine asking us to share.
He not only raped girls, probably more than anyone even knows about, he was a predator seeking out underage girls by using his position in the music industry to do so. He threatened you with a lawsuit and you backed down. I get it, who would want to be involved in that when you could just… not. That was your choice, a choice none of us had. We can’t just let it go and forget. I for one had hoped that you would at the very least stop featuring him. Guess I was wrong to hope that.
He needs [to be] CANCELLED. Get him out of these kids’ faces who believe he’s a good person deserving of recognition.
Issuing a statement in response Alt Press wrote:
For legal purposes regarding the Austin Carlile accusations, the story couldn’t run as it was told. As a female-led, lgbtq+ editorial staff, we’re going to reopen this & find the answers you’re looking for. We do not condone any of the accusations & this story WILL be heard.
Of Mice & Men immediately spoke out, telling fans:
Yesterday we heard for the first time of an alleged article that was written, and apparently subsequently shelved, regarding a former member of our band.
This individual has not been a member of Of Mice & Men for almost four years and neither the band, nor the team around us, has had any part in suppressing any such article. We absolutely condemn sexual violence and harrassment in any form.
–Aaron, Alan, Tino, Phil
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