Search PrinceGeorgeNow
Hedley will take the stage tonight in Kelowna for what could be their last performance ever.
The B.C. band has been embroiled in ongoing sexual abuse allegations that have led to the group being dropped by the Juno Awards, their management and blacklisted by several radio stations.
Hedley announced they will take an “indefinite hiatus” following the completion of their current "Cageless" tour, which finishes tonight in Kelowna.
In a statement released to Hedley’s official social media accounts, the band said they “have been forced to take a long hard look in the mirror” following the accusations that have been made against them.
“No excuses are going to be made by any of us. We clearly have some soul-searching to do,” the statement reads. “That begins by us saying that we are truly sorry, as individuals and as a band, to anyone who has been negatively affected by our behaviour.”
Lead singer Jacob Hoggard, who is under investigations by Toronto's sex crimes unit, released a separate statement denying the allegations but admitting to a pattern of mistreating women.
“I need to be completely clear: I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual behaviour in my life. Ever,” he said. “However, over the last 13 years, I have behaved in a way that objectified women.”
He calls the way he’s treated women “reckless and dismissive of their feelings” and says he understands the significant harm he has caused.
Despite one of the tour's opening bands dropping out, Hedley has continued its cross Canada tour following the allegations.