Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual and physical abuse.
MANILA, Philippines – Eraserheads’ frontman Ely Buendia announced on Sunday, April 6, that Marcus Adoro would be stepping back from the band’s upcoming music festival amid sexual abuse allegations surrounding the guitarist.
“We acknowledge the recent allegations that have surfaced online. As proponents of justice, we unequivocally condemn all criminal acts and stand against abuse in any form. Above all, we seek the truth,” Buendia wrote.
Buendia then said that Adoro is currently working to address the issue, and as a result, will step back from an “upcoming project” — presumably the Eraserheads’ Electric Fun Music Festival which is happening on May 31.
“We move forward with humility and deep respect for the truth and social responsibility,” Buendia added.
In late March, a Reddit user alleged that Adoro had raped them in high school, and added that he had also raped “countless” other women.
This, however, is not the first time Adoro has faced grave abuse allegations. In 2019, his daughter, singer-songwriter Syd Hartha, spoke up about the abuse Adoro had subjected her to. She recounted the times he would physically hurt her behind her mother’s back, and even in front of her own friends.
She also posted screenshots of their online conversation, where Adoro had told her that she would be raped. Syd further shared a screenshot of her conversation with Adoro’s ex-partner Barbara Ruaro, who had also accused the musician of abuse.
In 2022, when the band announced that they’d be staging a reunion concert, fans were quick to call for Adoro’s exclusion from the show. He then posted an open letter to Syd, wishing her well and hoping for a second chance to reconnect with her.
Bassist Buddy Zabala threw his support behind Syd and Ruaro in an exclusive interview with Rappler in September 2022.
“I can’t imagine the pain and anguish that Syd and Bie have gone through. I express my solidarity with them. I know that when people are hurt, my fervent wish is for them to get to a place of healing. I sincerely hope all parties start processing what they went through and receive the help they need. They have my support.”
Buendia and drummer Raymund Marasigan also previously gave their statements on the issue. Buendia’s manager told ANCX that one of his non-negotiables prior to signing the concert agreement was that Adoro would resolve his issues, or else he wouldn’t work with him. Meanwhile, Marasigan told Bandwagon that he’s open to speaking privately with Adoro about the matter and he hopes the issue gets resolved between the parties involved.
Despite the fans’ protests, however, Adoro still ended up being a part of the concert in December 2022.
The band has reunited anew for a string of major projects this year: their Eraserheads: Combo on the Run documentary directed by Diane Ventura, and the Electric Fun Music Festival that the members are organizing themselves.
In announcing the surprise concert at the documentary’s screening on March 21, Buendia said that the band is here to stay for good, “until [they] break up again.”
As of this writing, Adoro has yet to issue a statement on his withdrawal from the band’s upcoming festival. – Rappler.com