The continuing saga of former Real Estate guitarist and Ducktails frontman Matthew Mondanile has reached another shocking revelation as Brooklyn Vegan has reported that numerous women have come forward with sexual assault allegations. Seven different women have come forward accusing Mondanile of inappropriate groping, kissing, and other unwarranted sexual advances over the course of a ten-year period. Additionally, it has been revealed that Mondanile was fired from Real Estate due to these initial allegations. This is in sharp contrast to the inital reports from the band, who claimed that Mondanile left to focus more attention on his Ducktails project.
Through a statement from his lawyer, Mondanile has responded to these claims, admitting his fault for his actions and the damage they have caused.
Ducktails had multiple shows canceled in the wake of these initial allegations earlier this month, with Mondanile at first denying any wrongdoing. It remains to be seen if the canceled shows will be rescheduled and what the legal repercussions of Mondanile’s actions will be. There is no word yet on what prompted this about change of face considering Mondanile’s first response was to deny these heinous claims.
You can read Mondanile’s statement from his lawyers in full below:
“Recently, there have been allegations and articles circulating regarding Musician Matthew Mondanile’s past conduct toward women. This statement, issued through his attorneys, is intended as a general response to what has been written.
First and foremost, Matt would like to apologize: “I am endlessly sorry for my inappropriate behavior. I took advantage of my position as a musician, though I never intended to hurt anyone emotionally or otherwise. I’ve been an insensitive creep and again I apologize to everyone and anyone who was affected by this. I respect and commend the women who have come forward. Their breaking silence has compelled me to seek a more intense course of self-reflection, and personal development. I make no excuses for my behavior, I only want everyone to be ok. Words cannot convey how truly sorry I am.”
Despite Matt’s attorneys’ legal analysis of the allegations, Matt has insisted that nothing be said that blames or casts aspersions upon his accusers. Much of what has been written and talked about is false and defamatory. Nonetheless, Matthew accepts responsibility for his less than exemplary behavior. Matt realizes that in his eagerness for physical contact and gratification, he has been far from sensitive in his pursuit of women. However, Matt’s attorneys insist that it should be known that for each of the instances described in the media and online, there are two sides to these stories.
Regarding Real Estate, the band required Matt to sign a “leaving agreement” in February 2016 that prohibits both him and the band members from making any negative or derogatory statements about the other, or that may negatively affect the other’s reputation and career. In violating the terms of the agreement, Real Estate band members were not “protecting the victims,” they were instead protecting themselves by sidestepping the controversy to protect the band’s commercial viability.”
Photo Credit: Owen Ela
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