Falls Festival Responds To Sexual Assault Allegations At Tasmania Event

Falls Festival organisers have responded to reports alleging that five female punters were sexually assaulted at the Marion Bay event between between 29-31 December.

Falls co-producer Paul Piticco issued a statement overnight regarding the allegations. 

"The safety and wellbeing of our Festivals patrons is of upmost importance to us," Piticco's statement reads.

"We cannot comment on this as it is now a police matter, we are deeply saddened and disturbed by these allegations. Everybody has the right to move through life – not just at a music festival, but everywhere – free to feel safe and confident to enjoy their surroundings.  

"Like everyone else we are disgusted and angry that some people feel they can inappropriately touch others without their consent.

"We would like to see the conversation turn from telling our women and girls to be on guard and vigilant, to telling our boys and men to have some respect and stop taking these liberties.

"We work closely with the Police, Ambulance, Fire and other emergency service providers, security and other community services to provide the best and safest possible experience for our patrons. We are doing everything in our power to assist the Tasmanian Police and hope these perpetrators are caught.

"Our thoughts are with the alleged victims and their families at this time. If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact Bellerive CIB on 03 6173 2899 or via email stephen.burk@police.tas.gov.au."

Falls was also confronted with a serious incident at its Lorne event, when several people were injured — including 19 who were hospitalised — following a crowd crush on 30 December as people attempted to move between the Grand Theatre and Arena stages.

The festival's organisers have promised to investigate the "confluence of events" that led to the incident at Lorne.