After much speculation online, the "incident" involving Hedley and an underage fan in London, Ontario was investigated by the fine journalists at Exclaim! magazine. A reporter from the publication contacted Rob Bazinet, the former manager of the Embassy Hotel, who was in charge when Hedley played an all ages show there in 2005. He said the following, regarding the situation in question:
- The show was September 18, 2005- They were jerks to everyone throughout the day they spent at the venue (staff, fans, bartenders etc.)
- The show was expected to draw an underage crowd
- The band was well aware that underage fans would have a black "X" marked on their hand
- Bazinet went to check on the band after the show in the private greenroom above the venue, as was routine
- When he was in their room, one bedroom door was shut and the band blocked him from entering
- He doesn't remember which member was in the room with the shut door
- He would have had to physically force himself into the room, so he just didn't go in assuming it was a privacy issue
- At some point the band left without him noticing
- The police showed up because they found a young woman uncontious a block away, without shoes on
- She was taken to the hospital, where it was discovered she had Rophynal in her system (the date rape drug)
- They traced her back to the venue because of the stamp on her hand
- The police were given permission to search the green room, where they discovered the girl's missing shoes
- They contacted the parents of the girl to ask permission to administer a rape kit
- The victim woke up and refused to participate and the investigation was dropped
- The rumours about what happened started to spread around the people who worked at the Embassy
- The venue promoter and owner was then sent a legal order to shut up about the incident or they would sue on behalf of Hedley, their management and their record label.
- The letter cause management to tell staff if they mentioned the incident they would be fired
After this story was released last night, Shawn Hook (who is currently supporting Hedley on their still cross Canada tour) issued a statement basically saying he's contractually obligated to stay on the tour.
They have also been dropped by their management, Watchdog Management. They tweeted out a short statement.
Given the multiple allegations against Hedley, we have taken the decision to terminate our business relationship with the band, effective immediately. #cdnmusic
— Watchdog Management (@watchdogmgt) February 16, 2018
Source 1, Source 2, Source 3
Do you think the shows will be cancelled, ONTD?
Also, if you have stories you want to share, I have made some connections with some journalists who can give you a platform. Send me a PM if you have information about these assholes and want to let the world know.