Continuing the fallout after a controversial Nazi-style salute ex-Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo mimicked at a charity event last month, Anselmo has offered to leave his current band, Down, in a public apology.
After first brushing off the incident as an "inside joke", then stating that there were "no apologies" from him, Anselmo has now stated, "I am utterly responsible for the mistakes I have made, and can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words."
He goes on to explain that his bandmates in Down are now experiencing "the consequences of my behavior"; he adds, "Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I've privately suggested to them that they move on without me."
Down were recently dropped from Dutch festival FortaRock this coming June as a result of the incident.
Anselmo also posted an apology video on Down's official website which you can view below, along with his full statement.
To all this will concern,
Every citizen in this entire world has the unalienable right to live with dignity and respect without hate or oppression. And I mean this, with all of my crushed, yet, guilty heart.
It’s common knowledge that we can choose to either learn from our mistakes, or continue on a path of insensitivity and destruction.
I am utterly responsible for the mistakes I have made, and can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words.
My band mates are now experiencing the consequences of my behavior, and I now publicly apologize to them as well. Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I’ve privately suggested to them that they move on without me.
My biggest obstacle(s) are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on.
I’m repulsed by my own actions, and the self-loathing I’m going through right now is justified by the hurt I’ve caused.
I realize we live in a society where apologies are NOT accepted easily, yet long for a day when they can be, but I also understand if I’m shunned till I hit the dirt.
From the bottom of my heart, and with all sincerity, I once again am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.
With truth, love, hope & respect-
Philip H. Anselmo
