After being accused of engaging in abusive behavior by two of her former bandmates in VCTMS, drummer/lyricist Meredith Henderson has now issued an full statement of her own. Last week saw guitarist Mike Joseph Clampitt quit the band, publicly alleging abusive behavior towards him and others in the band’s radius as the final straw. He further put forth allegations of Henderson misappropriating band funds.
The band’s vocalist John Matalone later issued this statement, outlining his experiences in the group and stating that he intended to reflect on the band and their future after fulfilling their commitments.
Former touring bassist Davion Cutler, who exited VCTMS this past August, then came forward with his own allegations of abuse against Henderson over the weekend, largely echoing Clampitt‘s concerns.
While Henderson briefly touched on the allegations over the weekend, she has now issued a proper statement, it read as follows:
“I apologize for my silence; I needed time to process everything before speaking publicly.
I’ve been apart of VCTMS for the past 13 years as the founder and last original member, in the bands tenure I’ve made a lot of mistakes—in business, in friendships, and in my personal life. Some of those mistakes have been at the expense of the people I love and ultimately you reap what you sow. Hearing how my actions have negatively impacted past members, crew, and friends has been a rude awakening. I cannot diminish how I’ve made people feel, and I am deeply sorry to anyone I’ve hurt or disrespected in my time here. I don’t operate from a place of malice, but I have been negligent to understand how cruel and selfish I can be.
For over a decade, I took on most of the band’s management and 90% of the behind the scenes while ignoring my own mental and physical health. Burnout and apathy caught up with me, and instead of taking a step back when I was struggling or recovering from my hospitalizations, I let stress bleed into my relationships and work environment. Turning me into someone who created tension, pushed people away, and at times treated people poorly, when they deserved better. That is entirely on me. Pouring myself into this band for 13 years doesn’t excuse operating on empty or being abrasive towards the people working for the band. Regarding business operations and tour logistics: all working crew members from our most recent tour have been settled. If there is any outstanding debt from past tours, please reach out to John or me directly so we can handle it immediately.
There’s been a lot of great moments, but I know that doesn’t change the damage. It just reminds me who I’m capable of being and I’m committed to see that version of myself through. I can admit when i mess up.
I respect Mike and Davion‘s decision to walk away and prioritize their well-being, I never wanted to put anyone through so much grief to a point where they feel the only option is to leave. Nobody deserves to feel like they have to suffer to live out their passion.
I’ll be taking time to focus on my health—continuing the therapy I restarted right before this tour and addressing the health issues that flared up over the summer. I also plan to reach out privately to apologize to those I’ve hurt once there’s been enough time to fully reflect on everything that needs to be said. I’ve made a lot of mistakes throughout the course of my life and if anything comes from this it’ll be a learning experience. Regardless how anyone feels about me right now, I am human just as anyone else.
John and I are equal partners in this as we’re co owners of the LLC, the bank account, and the van so we’ll discuss what happens next. I don’t have all the answers right now, but at the least I can say is thank you. I have a laundry list of regrets. This was a wake up call, and I know I have to earn back trust and respect—if that’s even possible. We’ll see.
The only real way to grow is to lose.
Be safe everyone.
I hope to anyone affected can all heal in the end.
bad luck crew forever.”
