The Word Alive Respond to Domestic Violence Allegations Against Guitarist

Just yesterday, we reported that Zack Hansen, founding guitarist of Phoenix-based metalcore act The Word Alive, was stepping away from the band, at least temporarily, with no explanation of why forthcoming. The band have since released a statement as to the departure of Hansen as allegations of domestic violence have arisen against the guitarist. The band released a short statement on their Instagram which reads as follows:

“To The Word Alive family:

“As soon as we were made aware of the situation directed towards our guitarist, Zack, we immediately asked him to step away from the band. We do not condone any domestic abuse whatsoever.

“-TWA”

According to Lambgoat, Hansen’s partner shared multiple videos recorded to a Blink camera of Hansen’s abusive behavior towards her to Twitter on May 28 that are no longer available as she has since turned her account private. However, you can still read the comments from people horrified at what they’ve seen. At least one of the videos included a scene where Hansen appears to spit in his partner’s face, while another allegedly included a part where Hansen finds the Blink camera and shouts “I fucking hate you” into it before shutting it off.

One of her comments, which was reported by Lambgoat, reads:

“I’m very well aware that I may not have handled his abuse in the best way in the past but I’m sick of protecting someone who drove me to react. I have never put a hand on him that wasn’t in defense of myself.

“Also there’s no such thing as being a completely neutral party in this situation, lol either you support an abuser, or you don’t. Bye !!

“anyone who thinks this is easy for me is so sorely mistaken. I loved that man with my whole heart and this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to come to terms with”

So far, both Hansen and the band have used language like “step away” when referring to Hansen’s departure, which doesn’t really seem to imply a permanent departure from the guitarist. As for now, his future with the band remains uncertain.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.