Hardcore Punk Act PEACH Release Statement About Sexual Harassment

With permission from the band, we are republishing a recent statement released by phenomenal Indonesian hardcore punk band PEACH. The band recently went on tour and one of their band members, Aca, experienced some bullshit while she was in the pit watching another band.

Here’s the statement from the band:

“We’d like to share a few things regarding the incident on Peach’s “First Tour” tour.

First things first, we’d like to thank all of you for showing support towards us Peach as a band, and for standing up for Aca. We are very grateful that every support helped Aca’s voice be heard even more.

Since Aca is the victim here, we as bandmates and fellow women, support and listen to her. Aca said, “I just don’t understand how I got labeled ‘Feminazi’ for speaking up as a victim of sexual harassment. That is such an ugly term. Also, I don’t think it is necessary to go around mockingly labeling someone as a feminist because supporting women is NOT a joke.”

We’re also disappointed in the insensitive responses to this case, particularly those who told us to get used to all the unwanted touchings and gropings since it commonly happens at gigs. No one expected that incident to happen and certainly, no one wishes for the same thing to happen at future gigs.

Therefore, we will say this out loud. We want to create a safe space at gigs for everyone, especially women and queers. A place that is free of sexual predators and sexual assault disguised as an accident in mosh pits. And those who hesitate to do so, are not welcome at the gigs we’ll be playing.”

It’s 2023 and it seems INSANE that women still have to deal with this shit. Our little piece of this world is always supposed to be a place of acceptance and tolerance which includes being respectful to those around you – especially those who are on the fringes of society. Women, LGBTQ, ethnic minorities, all of these people should be welcomed with open arms and be made to feel safe in our so-called world of “hardcore”. So to then tell them that they should get “used” to these types of incidents, is absolute madness. Hardcore punk shows happen all over the world, we’ve never heard of groping being normalized! No – you should not get “used” to this. You should call it out just like the band did and get it handled immediately as the promoters of this particular show did.

Mad respect to PEACH for speaking up and standing up for other marginalized people as well.
Mad respect to anyone that takes these types of issues seriously.

https://www.instagram.com/peachoftoday/