Former Black Midi frontman Geordie Greep addressed an allegation of sexual misconduct during a Vancouver concert on Wednesday, October 8, telling the audience he had made an advance toward someone at a house party earlier that morning and apologized after realizing it was unwelcome.
The allegation became public when an attendee reportedly distributed flyers at The Pearl accusing Greep of rape. The flyers referenced an incident that allegedly occurred that morning and urged concertgoers to confront the musician over the accusation.
''Geordie Greep A Rapist. You know what you did this morning Oct. 8th. He thinks he can do whatever he wants because he's gone tomorrow. Let him know what Vancouver thinks of rapists,'' reads the flyer the man gave out, while apparently telling other concertgoers that the incident was an unwanted kiss.
Greep eventually took the stage alone, reportedly well after the concert's scheduled start time, and addressed the situation before performing a solo set.
“So essentially what happened last night, me and some of the band we went out to some bars, we went out, we met people, and it ended up in a situation really late at a house party. I got the wrong end of the stick with someone who was there, and I made a move, and it didn’t come off,” he told the crowd in a video that was shared online.
“I really quickly apologised, and it was a complete misunderstanding on my part,” he continued, adding that he felt “extremely sorry” and “extremely upset” about the situation.
Greep denied the rape accusation while acknowledging that his actions had made someone uncomfortable. “I would never rape a woman. I’m not a rapist,” he said.
The musician also explained why his bandmates were absent, saying he understood that the situation was frightening and did not want to force them to perform under the circumstances. He told the audience that anyone who wanted to leave or request a refund could do so.
Greep further announced that proceeds from the concert would be donated to an organization addressing violence in British Columbia. Despite the controversy, he offered to perform songs for the remaining audience members. He then played a 10-song set on his own, though social media accounts indicated that some concertgoers had left.
The identity of the person behind the allegation and the full circumstances of the encounter have not yet been independently established. It is also unclear whether the police has been notified.
Greep's North American tour moves forward with a show tonight in Boise, Idaho.
