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Sleaford Mods respond to reports of female fan being groped at live show: 'We don't want your money'

'Touching anyone without their consent is not acceptable no matter how you dress it up'

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Monday 08 April 2019 07:38 BST
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Jason Williamson, left, and Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods
Jason Williamson, left, and Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods

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Sleaford Mods have issued a statement after a female fan claimed to have been sexaully assaulted at their sold-out show in Bristol.

The alleged incident apparently took place as the band were performing on stage. Following the report, the band condemned the incident and made it clear the behaviour was not welcome at their shows.

"We've had a report of a female fan being groped in the crowd last night," the band wrote on Twitter. "Touching anyone without their consent is not acceptable no matter how you dress it up."

They added: "If you think groping women is acceptable don't bother buying a ticket, we don't want your money and you're not welcome."

Sleaford Mods, who released their new album Eton Alive in February, are the latest artists to participate in a growing zero tolerance culture for sexual harassment at live shows.

In 2017, hip hop artist Loyle Carner attracted praise for kicking a fan out of his show in Norwich after they made a sexist comment about his support act.

Video footage showed the Mercury Prize-nominated rapper telling security to remove them and adding: "I'm sorry man, you gotta learn a lesson. You gotta go. For being sexist, you gotta go."

A study released last year showed that live music events are a major source of concern for women with regards to sexual harassment.

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