In light of Win Butler's alleged sexual misbehaviour, Leslie Feist has cancelled the remainder of her scheduled appearances as Arcade Fire's opening act. The opening act for Arcade Fire's full European tour was originally going to be Feist.
The performer acknowledged that although her decision to withdraw from this tour had been "extremely difficult" to make, she was not withdrawing from this discussion. Butler has been accused of sexual misconduct by four different persons, it was first made public on Saturday. Feist claims that the incident has ignited a conversation that is greater than both him and any of his songs. It was undoubtedly superior to any rock and roll tour as well.
She claimed that she was taking responsibility for her actions and leaving to go home. Feist wrote a long statement explaining her choice for the announcement, writing, "At a pub in Dublin, after rehearsing with my band, I read the same headline you did. We didn't have enough time to prepare for what was to come, much less a chance to choose not to fly thousands of miles into this predicament.
"This has been extremely tough for me, and I can only imagine how much worse it has been for those who have come forward," she continued. I want those participating in this to get better more than anything.
She finished the statement by saying, “The last two nights on stage, my songs made the decision for me. Hearing them through this lens was incongruous with what I’ve worked to clarify for myself through my whole career. I’ve always written songs to name my subtle difficulties, aspire to my best self, and claim responsibility when I need to. And I’m claiming my responsibility now and going home.” Find the full statement below.