A Day To Remember bassist Josh Woodward has decided to step down from the band after previous allegations of sexual misconduct have resurfaced. Woodward issued the following statement via Twitter on 10/13:
“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.
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.
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.”
— Joshua Woodard (@joshuawoodard) October 13, 2021
Last August (2020), Woodward was accused of having sex with a minor. According to the allegations, Woodward would have been 25 at the time and the girl would have been 16. Those allegations were made via Twitter and have since been removed. Woodward made a statement via Twitter at that time saying:
“I’d like to address the allegations against me that have circulated around the internet in recent weeks.
First, let me be clear that the events described never happened and these allegations are false.
Up until now, I have remained silent because I do not feel it is appropriate to handle or debate this situation on social media. Addressing this is my personal responsibility, and I have chosen to defend myself through the proper legal channels.
Aside from releasing this statement, I will continue dealing with this matter privately in order to protect myself and my family.
—Josh”
A Day To Remember has yet to publically address Josh’s departure or the allegations. They are currently in the middle of a North American tour with Asking Alexandria and Point North.
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