Hayley Williams shares pro-LGBTQ statement after alleged homophobic post by former Paramore bandmate

Recent Facebook post allegedly written by Josh Farro reportedly called homosexuality a ‘perversion’

Hayley Williams shared a post expressing Paramore’s zero tolerance for homophobia (Rex Features)

Hayley Williams has shared a passionate statement on Paramore’s zero tolerance of homophobia, in a post that suggested this was the reason why former members of the pop-rock band left the group.

Williams shared the post after an alleged comment by former member Josh Farro was circulated on social media, in which he reportedly called homosexuality a “perversion”.

Farro and his brother Zac left the band in 2010, with Zac rejoining in 2017. The current Paramore lineup is Williams, Zac Farro and Taylor York.

On Wednesday 28 October, Williams wrote: “There’s a reason there are only 3 people left in Paramore. Surprise, haters, it ain’t cause of me.

“Paramore do not condone religiously/politically dogmatic beliefs which leave our LGBTQ+ friends, fans, & family feeling abandoned and hopeless.”

She continued: “If that doesn’t jive with you, well, feel free to go to where all past members of Paramore have gone which is literally anywhere else but Paramore.”

Williams then addressed Paramore’s “LGBTQ+ family” and singled out Brian J O’Connor, the creative director of Williams’ hair dye company Good Dye Young.

“You are full of love and you are loved,” she told O’Connor.

At the time of writing, her initial tweet had received more than 100,000 likes. 

The Independent has contacted Josh Farro’s representative for comment.

Williams recently announced a three-track EP, Self-Serenades, which will include acoustic versions of two songs from her solo album, Petals for Armor, plus a new track, “Find Me Here”.

Read The Independent’s review here.