Hey Violet confirm Iain Shipp's departure following rape allegations

17 April 2019, 11:28

Hey Violet Nickelodeon Halo Awards 2017. Picture: Getty

By Woodrow Whyte

"We sincerely hope the allegations are untrue, but at this moment we feel it is best to continue on without Iain in the band."

Hey Violet have announced that bassist Iain Shipp has left the band following allegations that he raped a woman surfaced online last week (April 11).

In a series of tweets, Iain's alleged ex-girlfriend, who has now deleted her Twitter account, claimed he had told her that he raped a girl before. Another woman, who claims to be another ex-girlfriend, also tweeted that he had confessed to raping a girl.

On April 13, Iain issued a statement on Twitter, that read: "I am aware of the disturbing allegations being issued against me and the matter is being investigated. They are deeply upsetting and untrue." Hey Violet also issued a statement saying that they are investigating the matter and were "dealing with the situation offline."

Earlier today (April 17), Hey Violet issued a second statement announcing that "we sincerely hope the allegations are untrue, but at this moment we feel it is best to continue on without Iain in the band." Read the full statement below:

pic.twitter.com/8OUkVgJlCk
— HEY VIOLET (@HeyViolet) April 17, 2019

"Hi guys, we wanted to say thank you for being patient while we work through this incredibly difficult time. We have reached out to the parties affected both personally and through our attorney in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the situation. we are continuing to investigate the matter, but with the current details provided, there is not enough information to prove or disprove the allegations presented. we sincerely hope the allegations are untrue, but at this moment we feel it is best to continue on without Iain in the band. You are all like family to us and we hope you know that we've been taking this very seriously. Thank you again for your understanding, we are all sending you our love

xo nia, casey, rena"

Hey Violet are gearing up to release their second album, the follow up to 2017's From The Outside.

They released the video for their new single 'Better By Myself' last week and are due to embark on a short US tour at the end of May. It is currently unclear if these tour dates will still go ahead.