Ex-Aborted Drummer Ken Bedene Opens Up About “Departing” the Band
Earlier this month, Belgium death metal group Aborted officially announced their split with long-time drummer Ken Bedene. At the time, there was no real scope on why, but Bedene’s dismissal from the band was cut with immediate effect.
If you’re wondering what happened exactly, it turns out the band might have removed Bedene because of allegations swirling online that he was allegedly engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior with a minor.
In the last 24 hours, Bedene has seemingly returned to Instagram to share an official statement on the matter. He says:
“Over the past two weeks, I have taken time to reflect on what’s been posted – knowing how important it is for me to address it. I never intended to make anyone uncomfortable, and I am truly sorry.
“The bottom line is: I had a consensual and reciprocated conversation online with someone of consenting age in her state. While legal, I understand it never should have happened.
“Those who know me are rightly surprised at the situation and the extensive misinformation out there. I’ve always carried myself with respect for others. Consent is something I take seriously, and I would never knowingly cross that line.
“I’m horrified by the false claims about the conversation and about my character. Though this was a private conversation, and the falsification of events surrounding it is defamatory, I will not continue the rhetoric by sharing ‘my side.’ My focus right now is acknowledging my part and learning from it.
“As a husband and father, seeing my family so negatively affected by something they did not do has been brutal. Though my wife has already shared that we have an open relationship, I am truly sorry to her for the inappropriate attention she’s received as a result of my actions. She’s my best friend, and I have the utmost respect for her and the life we’ve built together. She’s stood by me through everything, and she doesn’t deserve the harassment.
“My departure from Aborted is intended to protect the people and the community I’ve cared about and created music with for more than 15 years. I left the band to distance them from this. They had no part in my communications, and they shouldn’t have to carry the weight of them.
“Going forward, I am taking a step back to help my family heal and to reflect. Thank you.”
An apology and accountability are the bare minimum. It isn’t hard to understand that a minor is a minor, regardless of the state. Though it takes weight off the shoulders to know it was a consensual interaction, we must remind ourselves: as adults, and in Bedene’s case, a father too, the ball is in your court to make mature, responsible decisions.
You’re in an open relationship, that’s great. Speak to and date consenting adults.
Moving forward, Aborted will continue their Slashing Europe tour with former Benighted drummer Kevin Paradis. You can find the full list of dates below.
See Aborted Live:
04/24 Tilburg, NL @ O13
04/25 Haarlem, NL @ Patronaat
04/26 Gent, BE @ Wintercircus
04/27 Paris, FR @ La Machine du Moulin Rouge
04/29 Toulouse, FR @ Le Rex
05/01 Bilbao, SP @ Sala Santana 27
05/02 Lisbon, PT @ LAV
05/03 Madrid, SP @ Chango Club
05/04 Barcelona, SP @ Salamandra
05/06 Lyon, FR @ Transbordeur Club
05/07 Audincourt, FR @ Le Moloco
05/08 Aarau, CH @ Kiff
05/09 München, DE @ Feierwerk
05/10 Vienna, AT @ Szene
05/11 Ostrava, CZ @ Barrak
05/12 Bratislava, SK @ Randal
05/13 Warsaw, PL @ Proxima
05/14 Krakow, PL @ Hype Park
05/15 Berlin, DE @ Lido
05/16 Copenhagen – Pumpehuset
05/17 Hamburg, DE @ Logo
05/18 Essen, DE @Turock
05/20 London, UK @ The Garage
05/21 Southampton, UK @ Engine Rooms
05/22 Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy 2
05/23 Dublin IR, @ Academy
05/24 Glasgow, UK @ Slay
05/25 Liverpool, UK @ O2 Academy 2
