Ethan Kath, Crystal Castles Founder: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Ethan Kath pictured at the Popped! Music Festival.

The founder of indie giants Crystal Castles has been accused of rape by the group’s former lead singer Alice Glass. On her official website, the former frontwoman of Crystal Castles said that she had been subjected to sexual, physical and mental abuse from Kath. That abuse, she says, led to her departure from the band in October 2014. In response, Kath issued a statement to Pitchfork saying the allegations were “pure fiction” and that he was looking into his legal options.

When Glass left the band, she released this statement saying, “My art and my self-expression in any form has always been an attempt towards sincerity, honesty, and empathy for others. For a multitude of reasons both professional and personal I no longer feel that this is possible within Crystal Castles. Although this is the end of the band, I hope my fans will embrace me as a solo artist in the same way they have embraced Crystal Castles.” Shortly after that statement was released, the group’s management said the band would continue with a new singer. In April 2015, the band returned with new frontwoman Edith Frances.

Here’s what you need to know:

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1. Glass Says Kath ‘Forced Me to Have Sex With Him or, He Said, I Wouldn’t Be Allowed to be in the Band Anymore’

GettyKath and Glass performing together in 2013.

According to Glass’ statement, Kath “forced me to have sex with him or, he said, I wouldn’t be allowed to be in the band anymore.” Other allegations include Glass saying that Kath curtailed her financial freedom. In a statementthrough his lawyer, Kath replied saying, “I am outraged and hurt by the recent statements made by Alice about me and our prior relationship. Her story is pure fiction and I am consulting my lawyers as to my legal options. Fortunately, there are many witnesses who can and will confirm that I was never abusive to Alice.”

Getty

Glass’ statement concludes with:

Leaving Crystal Castles was the single most difficult decision I’ve ever made – that band was everything to me. My music, my performances and my fans were all I had in the world. I gave that up and started over not because I wanted to but because I had to.

As difficult as it was, I knew that leaving was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has taken me years to recover from enduring almost a decade of abuse, manipulation and psychological control. I am still recovering.

Source: heavy