I read through a lot of these comments and spent a little too much time today sorting out my feelings. I am a rape victim, and I will never try to negate victim’s rights... on the other hand, if it was all online, it was definitely inappropriate but we have no further information to show he knew she was 15 or would have initiated physical contact if it were an option. Unfortunately, the burden of proof in sexual assault cases is always on the victim - not officially in statute but for certain in bias and public opinion.

I don’t need to have a personal opinion on Jesse or his actions. He was definitely a much different person as a younger man, which I think we have all seen over the years. We’ve witnessed him grow uncomfortable with his celebrity and change. I hope he’s content with himself, his actions and the life he leads because everyone deserves inner peace. I hope this isn’t true and from a legal stand-point, it is a nightmare as it is “he said, she said.”

Most importantly: I can separate the art from the artist. Brand New, as a band, should not be held accountable for one member’s alleged actions. Art tends to come from a dark place - Jesse has certainly battled all sorts of demons throughout his time in Brand New and I’m sure he’ll continue to do so.