Metal Anarchy

According to Rolling Stone, Anti-Flag’s Justin Geever (aka Justin Sane) has been ordered to pay Kristina Sarhadi $1.9 million. This news comes after Sarhadi filed a lawsuit against the frontman for sexual assault.

Sarhadi initially filed the lawsuit after claiming that Geever raped her in a hotel room in 2010. She previously included his bandmates and their company in the complaint due to negligence, but that part was struck down.

Sarhadi later amended her lawsuit and claimed Geever was leaving the country to evade justice. As such, she was trying to get a judge to make it so Geever’s sister and Power of Attorney could accept the lawsuit.

Despite those setbacks, Sarhadi has emerged victorious. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes has since awarded her a default judgment worth $1,170,800 and an additional $750,000 in punitive damages.

Sarhadi commented:

“Judge Sannes’ careful decision in my case feels like a beacon of hope in a time of emboldened misogyny and unchecked power. While every survivor knows there is no appropriate compensation for the harms we’ve suffered, I am indescribably grateful for the opportunity to be witnessed and the validation of being believed.

Geever’s silence, absence, and cowardice simply prove what I have known privately for 15 years: There are no heroes. Not all who have the stage deserve the spotlight. And there are helpers, supporters, and allies all around us, if we find the courage to use our voice.

[I will] likely spend another decade or two repairing and recovering my life. But I’m proud of every person who has used this moment to give their shame back to their perpetrator, proud of myself for not backing down, and humbled by the solidarity of survivors on every continent. I am no longer heartbroken by Geever’s betrayal. I’m enraged that patterns of abuse like his continue to escalate in every arena, and more determined than ever to expose and disrupt them.”

Notably, a number of other women have come forward with allegations against Geever as well. However, the band claimed they were unaware of his disturbing behavior and have since called it quits. They also took some time to blast Geever for his actions.