Another woman has shared her story for the first time detailing what she describes as a “pattern of grooming” from Jesse Lacey of Brand New and why she does not think the band should be touring:
I am sharing my story publicly for the first time, and it’s one I’ve kept to myself for years. In 2006, I was 15 years old, a teenager at the height of adolescence, trying to navigate the complexity of identity, self-worth, and relationships. Brand New’s music defined that time for me, and like so many others, I idolized Jesse Lacey. His lyrics spoke to the vulnerability of youth, the pain of growing up, and the confusion of unrequited love. To be seen by him as someone worthy of his attention was intoxicating — it felt like a validation of my worth, my place in the world, and my identity as a young woman.
The entire thing is worth your time. And the words toward the end have stuck with me since I first read them:
To those who feel that people like me demanding accountability want Jesse to “burn” or have his life ruined — this was never about destruction. It’s about responsibility. No one is asking for his exile, only for an acknowledgment that goes beyond vague apologies and self-preserving statements. True accountability isn’t just admitting to “sex addiction” or “manipulation”; it’s about recognizing the full extent of harm caused and taking meaningful steps to repair it. Jesse has never done this. Defending him by claiming he’s “done his time in therapy” suggests that personal growth absolves public harm, which it does not. […]
If you truly believe Jesse has changed, ask yourself: why has he never directly addressed the people he harmed? Why, in 20 years, has he done nothing to make things right? And why are you more comfortable questioning his victims than questioning him?
I’ve said what I want to say about the band’s return at this point, but I think this is important to share.