A Day To Remember’s founding bassist Joshua Woodard has departed from the band.
The news comes after Woodard was accused of sexual misconduct last year, though the bassist denied the “false” claims in a previously released statement in August 2020.
“First, let me be clear that the events described never happened, and these allegations are false,” Woodard said at the time after remaining silent for weeks on the allegations as he was explored the proper channels to speak legally on the topic.
“Up until now, I have remained silent because I do not feel it is appropriate to handle or debate this situation on social media.” Woodard added. “Addressing this is my personal responsibility, and I have chosen to defend myself through the power legal channels.”
Now, Woodard shared an official statement as he exited the popular rock band on Wednesday (Oct. 13).
“In the summer of 2020, I released a statement addressing false allegations that were made against me online. At the time, with the pandemic and my daughter on the way, I personally decided to pause legal proceedings against the accuser once the post was removed,” Woodard said in a statement.
With the accusations resurfacing, Woodard decided it would be best to step down from his position within the band, who recently released their album, You’re Welcome.
He continued, “These accusations have unfortunately resurfaced within the last few days, and I must act accordingly. It is not fair to my bandmates and brothers to be attached to or targeted because of any of this, so I have made the decision to step down from my position in the band as of today. I will be leaving tour to be with my family and continue to defend my innocence in these matters.”
“I know who I am and who I am not. I admit, wholeheartedly, that I am not a perfect person and I have made mistakes in life. I strive every day I am given to be a better person, husband, father, bandmate, and friend,” Woodard added. “I appreciate those who have supported me and defended my name against the lies being spread, and I am sorry to those who have been negatively affected by them. This decision is the furthest thing from what I want, but it is unfortunately what is best. Being a member of ADTR has been the greatest honor, and I am so thankful for the past 18 years.”
https://twitter.com/joshuawoodard/status/1448368782368559106?s=20
The unfortunate news comes as A Day To Remember embarks on their massive Re-Entry Tour throughout the U.S. and just days after they announced they’d be hitting the road with Bring Me The Horizon early next year.
While Woodard has release an official statement, A Day To Remember has yet to acknowledge his departure from the band.
