Possessed's Jeff Becerra addresses swirling allegations involving a minor

Possessed frontman Jeff Becerra has come under fire following allegations of inappropriate online interactions with a 16-year-old girl. The accusations surfaced during a recent episode of the Kill The Posers Podcast, where the teenager detailed alleged conversations and requests made by Becerra.

Screenshots and audio clips purportedly documenting the exchanges have been widely shared online, with MetalSucks compiling a selection of the material. 

Becerra shared the following when pressed for a statement:

There is something that I want to address with you before it gets out of hand. And hopefully clear things up. Or at the very least, add some perspective.

During the time I was in hospital or shortly after, I responded and had a general correspondence with a 16-year-old fan and her boyfriend. Those of you who know me know that I have never had a problem chatting with any fans. I chat with people from all levels of society, backgrounds, and ages. And up til now I have never had any problems.

I have known this particular person, who is coming out with allegations directed at me, since around August. I was always polite, kind, and proper. We had been texting each other with metal-related stuff. I wanted to help her and her boyfriend out with their band, and I gave them VIP tickets to my show. But in the few days directly after my surgery (in October) this person really started making off-color comments. Several times I said I'm not comfortable with this and let her know as kindly and gently as possible. I'm old enough to be her father, or grandfather for that matter. It was my mistake for not just saying, 'hey enough' and cutting it off at the very first sign. It was irresponsible for me not to, I did not want to hurt her feelings. I tried to sort of ease out of the conversation looking for an out so I could remove myself entirely from the situation on multiple occasions. I want to set the record straight because the way this is being portrayed online does not accurately show our interactions.

My mistake was trying to be too cavalier about it, making too many jokes, especially when taken out of context and cut together it can seem damning.

Keep in mind that these conversations were happening in between sleepless nights and pain filled days directly after my surgeries and during the time I was in the hospital or shortly afterwards and I wasn't really focusing on it, but, I did tell her that it had to stop, and I was going to block her if she continued to send me messages. Beyond that, I was told after the fact by those close to me that I was sending them ramblings and nonsense's during this time as well when I was heavily on pain medications. While she persistently messaged me to continue talking, I said no, I am blocking her.

I felt this was a fan interaction and I did not feel as though I had done anything to make her feel threatened or uncomfortable based on the flow of the conversation. I never asked for anything or tried to pressure her into anything. She kept trying to get me to agree to text her something to the effect of a relationship plan of action which is OBVIOUSLY out of the question. Up until this point our conversations were always extremely light and proper.

Right after I blocked her, she had connected with my ex-girlfriend who has a history of trying to paint me as negatively as humanly possible without substantiation. She chose to start publicly sending out calculated screenshots that were craftily strung together and wildly out of context. My ex-girlfriend also started spreading rumors about me and trying to create a false narrative back then, and a couple more times in between then and now. Lots of drama. And up until now, her motives have been more than transparent because people know me pretty well and because I do talk a lot and say ridiculous out of pocket things that are funny to me but not meaningful in any way. They've easily seen right through it.

I'm also seeing a LOT of false narratives and outright lies. But I want to lay all doubts to rest and let you know that I am not and never have been anything but legitimate. I have been on this earth 56 years now and I've never had any problems of this kind, whatsoever. I worked my entire life and made my name and band around my exemplary reputation, my love of Metal, my love for my fans and my supporters. I'm a family man with two wonderful children. Many of you may not know this but other than touring and doctor's appointments, I haven't left the house for well over 15 years. Because of my condition I'm bedridden except for when I tour or go to doctor's appointments. It is beyond ridiculous to think that I'd be chasing around young girls in my condition or that I would EVER want to, by any means. Never in a million years would I try to sneak around with a 16-year-old kid, I saw her as a fan.

I am gonna end this by saying this. I know in my heart of hearts that I've made a mistake, coming from a place of harmless humor and the drive to recognize fans as friends, when I should be more mindful of the impression I give to the people I respond to, as I value the connection with my community above almost all else.

I understand the perception of me and my actions and how I've disappointed my audience. I understand now that connecting with any and every fan that I can is irresponsible, not always helpful and can create an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry for the discomfort I have left with her and with all of you. Knowing that this is not a matter to take lightly, I can only say that no matter what happens going forward, I will have learned and continue to be a better man the best I can. My intentions were clear and never had any ill intent.

My music is everything to me. I have put my entire life into my music. And all I wanna do is play for you and continue with this life that never seems to happen. And to those who have defended me, thank you, you are the best and the reason I keep going. Thank you for being so brave and caring. But first I gotta get well and get back to resting and recuperating. 

~Stay Blessed, Stay Possessed-~Jeff~