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BROCKHAMPTON Kick Out Ameer Vann Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations


Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Ameer Vann performing on stage with Brockhampton

Brockhampton has kicked one of its founding members out of the group.

Ameer Vann "is no longer in" the band, according to a statement posted on Twitter, following allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Brockhampton consisted of 14 people before Ameer's removal.

Members of the self-styled US "boyband" can be hard to keep up with, but Ameer was a constant on the three albums they released last year, featuring on each of the covers.

A number of women accused Ameer, 21, of being abusive earlier this month.

The rapper responded promptly - apologising to "the people I've hurt", as well as fans of Brockhampton.

"I've been in relationships where I've... disrespected my partners," he wrote.

"I've cheated and been dismissive to my exes. Throughout the past three years I've been working hard to reflect on myself and seek out help. It continues to be a learning process every day."

Ameer denied ever acting "criminally", and also rejected a claim of sexual relations with a minor.

Skip Twitter post by @AmeerVann In response to the claims of emotional and sexual abuse: although my behavior has been selfish, childish, and unkind, I have never criminally harmed anyone or disrespected their boundaries. I have never had relations with a minor or violated anybody's consent. — ameervann (@AmeerVann) May 12, 2018 Report

Skip Twitter post 2 by @AmeerVann I'm sorry for cheating. I'm sorry for lying and letting my friends down. I'm sorry for placing my group mates in a difficult situation by not speaking to them about my past experiences earlier. I always hoped to set a good example to my fans. — ameervann (@AmeerVann) May 12, 2018 Report

He ended the statement by saying: "I really hope I can be an example of somebody who learned to grow from his mistakes and become a better person."

Brockhampton have been touring in the US but announced they would be cancelling any remaining dates to "go home and regroup".

"We were lied to, and we're sorry for not speaking up sooner," a statement said.

Lots about the group is purposefully mysterious.

Kevin Abstract helped form the current group in 2015, after posting on popular Kanye West forum KanyeToThe.com that he wanted to start a band.

It has existed in various forms, with different names, since 2010.

Their music covers serious topics like mental health, sexuality and masculinity, and they have garnered a cult following of very loyal fans.

Kevin Abstract and Ameer have been friends since high school, and video of Brockhampton's performance in Boston on Saturday night shows how the band is coping with their decision.

Ameer was absent from the show and the rest of the group stood silently during his verses, with Joba crying and needing to be consoled by Dom McLennon.

Kevin, the group's leader, addressed the allegations in an emotional Instagram live last week, admitting that new album Puppy, which was scheduled for release in June, was probably going to be delayed.

"Having to deal with family problems in front of the world is very difficult. And I'm sorry if this isn't enough," he said.

"I also understand if you're mad and completely over it because I should have said something. I shouldn't have been quiet for so long."

Fans have been divided over the decision to oust Ameer from the group.

Some think it was the wrong decision.

Skip Twitter post by @oconguito yo guys,

you’re a group and you should deal with problems as a group. Not trying to hide them or kicking out a member.

i love you guys but Ameer didn’t deserve this from his friends. — Conguito, O Black! (@oconguito) May 27, 2018 Report

Others think it was consistent with the group's values.

Skip Twitter post by @wtfvcc yall saying bh wont be the same like ameer wasnt using the same flow in all bh songs lmao stop being apologists for abusers you like and outraged about those you dont. you cant praise matt for his anti-misogynistic verses and get upset when bh as a group acts on this — Pobrecito (@wtfvcc) May 27, 2018 Report

While fans on the popular Brockhampton subreddit think it could spell the end of the group.

"I feel like Kevin can't do nothing about the situation though. It's either Ameer or Brockhampton," one highly upvoted post read.

"I'm worried that this will tear them apart and end up being Ameer and Brockhampton" was the top reply.

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When numerous allegations appeared about Brockhampton founding member, Ameer Vann, fans were upset as well as confused. Having already released three albums in one year, and with another on the way, how would the band deal with Vann's past behavior.

The answer came this morning, as Brockhampton has officially announced that they've kicked Vann out of the band for good.

Earlier this month, it was reported that several women had come forward with stories about Vann's toxic behavior, with claims ranging from engaging in emotional abuse to dating an underage girl. Vann did apologize for his past actions, saying that he had been seeking help for some time, but denied every having criminally harmed anyone or sleeping with a minor.

Kevin Abstract, the band's leader, took to Instagram Live recently to confirm that they were delaying the release of their upcoming album, Puppy, until they'd dealt with their family business, and it seems they've finally come to a conclusion.

The message states that the group had been lied to, and they were sorry for not speaking up sooner. They also mention that they've cancelled all their upcoming shows on their current U.S. tour in order to regroup.

While that's likely disappointing to fans who were excited to see the group, it's only understandable. Having to deal with the trauma of finding out one of your friends was an abuser is not easy. Not to mention, there's still the matter of the songs that Vann already recorded for their upcoming album. See the entire statement below.


Earlier this month, Ameer Vann of BROCKHAMPTON was accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct. Now, BROCKHAMPTON has shared a statement that Vann has been kicked out of the group. “Ameer is no longer in BROCKHAMPTON,” the statement reads. “We want to sincerely apologize to the victims affected by Ameer’s actions. We were lied to, and we’re sorry for not speaking up sooner.” They also say that they have canceled their remaining U.S. tour dates to “go home and regroup.” Find the full statement below. Pitchfork has reached out to BROCKHAMPTON’s representatives for further comment.

Ameer Vann was an original member of BROCKHAMPTON, which formed in 2015. He appears on the cover of all three albums in their 2017 SATURATION trilogy.

During their Boston Calling set yesterday, BROCKHAMPTON took the stage without Vann (as Pigeons & Planes points out). In fan footage of the performance, the group can be seen standing in silence during the sections where Vann’s verses would have been. See it happen below.

On May 12, singer-songwriter Rhett Rowan, who says she was previously involved in a relationship with Ameer Vann, called the rapper “emotionally manipulative and mentally abusive,” before later accusing him of having sexual relations with a minor and “abusing women.” Another Twitter user, @GIGlNOTHADID, also shared claims made by other women.

Following the initial wave of allegations, Vann addressed the claims against him in a series of tweets. “In response to the claims of emotional and sexual abuse: although my behavior has been selfish, childish, and unkind, I have never criminally harmed anyone or disrespected their boundaries,” he wrote. “I have never had relations with a minor or violated anybody's consent.”

BROCKHAMPTON’s Kevin Abstract later addressed the allegations and said that the group is considering delaying the release of their upcoming album PUPPY, which was set to arrive in June. “I don’t agree with anything Ameer has admitted to, and I’ve talked with him about that,” Kevin said. “He’s been getting help for, like, over the past year.”

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