Why did Tilian Pearson exit Dance Gavin Dance? Singer seeks 'professional help' amid allegations
Trigger warning: This article contains description of sexual assault that can be distressing to some readers, viewer discretion is advised
California-based rock band Dance Gavin Dance has announced that their lead singer, Tilian Pearson, is stepping away from the band amid the sexual misconduct allegations. The band took to their social media handles to explain that they were aware of these allegations and that the singer will also be seeking professional help. These allegations started swirling around from Reddit in a dedicated sub named r/dancegavindance.
The Reddit user claimed that Tilian slapped her across the face and didn't respect the 'boundaries' that she had set. "Was comfortable enough now to finish what I started, but at one point this man had decided to straight up slap me across the face," said the user, explaining Tilian's alleged abusive behavior. After this, two more people on Reddit came forth with their own experiences, accusing the 34-year-old Dance Gavin Dance lead singer.
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Acknowledging the allegations, the band posted, "Effective immediately, Tilian will be stepping away from the band in order to seek professional help. Jon, Will, Matt and Andrew will continue on with all currently scheduled tours. The band will also be proceeding with the release of Jackpot Juicer as planned. We all worked incredibly hard on this album, and it is also the last recorded body of work from Tim – we want to be sure we give it the full release attention that it deserves to honor his legacy. We know this is a very upsetting and trying situation for all those affected, and we ask people to be please be as understanding as possible while everyone works through this. We appreciate you always."
Tillian Pearson responds to the sexual misconduct allegations
One Reddit user explained that she 'numbed out' during her sexual experience with Tilian. She explained that the singer did not respect the boundary, she said, "Was it enjoyable? Absolutely not. I numbed out. I was so scared what would've happened if I fought back more." The Reddit user further explained that when she confronted Tilian the next day about the incident, he didn't bother to reply because it would "implicate him." Check out the description of the event below:
Y’all wanted proof on Tilian from Dance Gavin Dance. This is from u/spookypooky8 on the the Dance Gavin Dance Reddit
— Lex ⁷ (@lovemyselff1999) June 1, 2022
1/5 pic.twitter.com/y2DarjQNZq
Surprisingly, Tilian decided to respond these alleged incidents of sexual misconduct. Previously, he issued a statement denying any forceful nature of any event. He told 'Loudwire', "I take the subject of sexual assault seriously, and I want to firmly reiterate that there was no moment of anything happening that was not consensual. I understand that in a new sexual relationship, there is a period of figuring each other's preferences out, but there is not a doubt our physical contact ever crossed boundaries into anything resembling assault."
Tilian later on issued an apology via Reddit, "I want to start by saying I'm truly sorry for what you have gone through. When I initially read the detailed account of the night from your perspective, I was stunned. To me, it was a consensual experience, both times when we were intimate. But I will not deny you of your truth and recognize that it has caused you a lot of emotional stress. I sincerely apologize for that. I hold myself fully accountable for causing you this emotional pain. I will be entering an intensive therapy program to address this issue head on to become the healthiest, most responsible version of me, doing the work necessary to ensure this never happens again." The legtimacy of these claims still remain unclear, but the alleged victims have provided a bunch of screenshots to help support their claim.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).