SeeYouSpaceCowboy remove Roman Candle from upcoming tour following online backlash

Roman Candle have been removed as openers from SeeYouSpaceCowboy's upcoming 'Coup De Grâce' tour with The Callous Daoboys and Omerta following an online backlash against the Las Vegas screamo act after fans were not satisfied with how the band handled a recent scandal in their camp. 

SeeYouSpaceCowboy commented:

After hearing your concerns, Roman Candle will no longer be on the tour.

To back up a bit, at the start of the year Roman Candle parted ways with their bassist, Nico Borgia, over domestic abuse allegations, the band's statement reading at the time:

Yesterday we became aware of allegations of domestic abuse and sexual assault by a former partner of our bassist, Nico.

In light of these allegations, we have all decided to part ways with Nico. We were aware the relationship was unhealthy but not to the extent of what has been shared.

We hope it goes without saying that we do not condone abuse in any form, but we want to take the opportunity to reiterate that here. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or silently suffering through domestic violence, please contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline immediately: www.thehotline.org./ 800-799-7233 Hotline for Las Vegas specifically: +17752217600

We are making a donation to The National Domestic Violence hotline in the amount of $2,500 to help survivors. This is an issue we have never and will never take lightly.

Following the recent tour announcement, many fans in comment threads on both SeeYouSpaceCowboy's post and The Callous Daoboy's post clamored for the bands to uphold Roman Candle's apparent cancellation, calling for the band to be removed.

The top comment on SYSC's post reads:

roman candle r abuse apologists babes

Meanwhile, over on The Callous Daoboys post, many felt the same, saying "no way Roman candle is on this," as one fan asked, "So nobody is mad at Roman candle anymore?"

Front-woman Piper Ferrari of Roman Candle responded yesterday to the backlash in an Instagram text post on the band's official Instagram page, saying:

I will speak my truth one last time.

No one was shown a video of anyone abusing anyone.

I (Piper) STILL, almost five months later, have not seen this video.

The rumor that I saw a video of someone being abused has already been disproven multiple times, and the person who originally posted it went back on that accusation the same day.

I am a victim of domestic violence, our entire ep is about Jonas & l's experience with domestic violence, and I would not condone that behavior anywhere near me. Whether I was in a band or not.

There is no abuser in our band. Stop calling us "apologists" when we acted immediately. We have done literally everything that could be done in this situation other than simply quit music- which is not happening.

If you don't like our music, that's fine. 

But throwing things out there like "they hang out with p*dos! They SA'd someone!" with absolutely no proof or context, to two people who are openly writing songs about having been through the SAME THINGS is disgusting and performative. 

False accusations do nothing but make it harder for actual victims to be taken seriously. 

We do this for us and for no one else. There is not enough money or clout in this genre for me to do have any other reason to continue on with this. I have fun dancing on stage and singing my little songs and that's all this is about. This is Jonas & I's version of therapy. 

I am eternally thankful for every person that resonates with our music and continues to support us and work with us 🖤

Despite Roman Candle's response, the band was ultimately removed from the tour. The fans who called for the band's cancellation have likely been appeased, at least for the time being while we see who will replace them. As for who that will be, SeeYouSpaceCowboy says there is "more info to come." 

Recently, Roman Candle was able to join Militarie Gun on several dates of the 'Life Under The Gun Tour,' largely without incident, but it seems they were unable to endure the challenges posed by this particular tour's fanbase.

While online forums aren't often the place to find the most nuanced discussion, some have been asking what lengths a band must go through to make amends and satisfy fans after a situation like this, one which SeeYouSpaceCowboy themselves have faced in the past.

In 2019, SeeYouSpaceCowboy also removed their bassist Andrew Milam amid allegations around the time they were recording their Pure Nose Records debut, simply saying at the time:

Andrew Milam is no longer a part of this band in any way

It appears that SeeYouSpaceCowboy's response at that time, and their subsequent behavior, has not led to any repercussions thus far. These situations and their nuances have left many in the industry trying to understand the boundaries of acceptable behavior while handling similar situations.

Greg Hall of UK video collective Dai Tan Films asked:

what does everyone want to happen to roman candle even after they kicked the abuser out immediately, donated like 3k to a woman's shelter and they gave their side of the story - genuinely asking

A popular response from one user seems to sum up fan's feelings on the matter:

it doesn't really matter what "we" want, acknowledging and supporting the victim(s) is what's paramount. Donating money one time to an organization doesn't absolve you of anything. If there isn't persistent actions to make amends (without recognition) it is performative.