Splendour 2016 Band Beach Slang Dump Guitarist Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

US punk rock outfit and Splendour In The Grass 2016 act Beach Slang have publicly announced the decision to split with guitarist Ruben Gallego amid sexual assault allegations, believed to have happened four years ago.

Though the claims are yet to be proven and allegedly happened before Gallego was a member of the band (he joined in 2015), Beach Slang announced in a statement on Facebook that until more information is released, they "don't feel it's appropriate" for him to be a part of the group.

"Although this occurred four years ago and prior to him joining Beach Slang, we cannot in good conscience continue with him," the band's statement reads.

"We believe survivors and we want to believe Ruben, but until we learn more information, we don't feel it's appropriate for him to be a part of Beach Slang."

Gallego has since responded to the allegations via a statement given to Pitchfork, saying that the claims are "inaccurate".

Read Gallego's full statement below. 

"I’d like to say that what’s important to me is that people stand with survivors and that we continue to foster an environment where people aren’t afraid to speak out against their abusers.

Although I do feel like what’s being said about me is inaccurate it’s irrelevant. I think it’s totally possible for people to see a situation completely differently and if this person feels I harmed them then that’s what I care about and I want to make that right.

I also care deeply about how this affects other victims of sexual assault specifically the ones who attend Beach Slang shows and felt that sticking around would further isolate them.

James [Alex] and Ed [McNulty] are the sweetest most caring people I’ve ever known and I feel they did the right thing and I will always support them."

The news comes just hours before Beach Slang were to take to the stage for the first show of a US tour in support of their sophomore album, A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings, released last month.