Mental Cruelty part ways with vocalist Lucca Schmerler following allegations

Just four weeks after announcing their new record deal with Century Media, German deathcore/death metal band Mental Cruelty have parted ways with frontman Lucca Schmerler in the wake of sexual assault allegations.

"This has been the hardest week for us with daily calls talking about the allegations against Lucca," states the band. "None of us ever thought about being in a situation like this, therefore it took us a few days to evaluate. As a result, Lucca is no longer a part of Mental Cruelty. Please be sure, we as the band (Danny, Nawl, Viktor and Marvin) completely distance ourselves from all forms of sexual violence and/or abuse."

For his part, Schmerler had the following to say: "Due to threats of violence against my friends, family and myself, I will withdraw from public life until further notice. Investigations against the people involved were initiated a few weeks ago and I distance myself from all allegations made against me."