Black Crown Initiate frontman James Dorton has issued a statement after being accused of having racist views. The accusations are related to his past association with right-wing extremist Jack Donovan and the Wolves Of Vinland, a Virginian neopagan tribe that was designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Dorton said the following:

“Hey, guys. James here. It has come to my attention that there are a few things I need to address for our fans and peers, some of whom have become concerned that I hold racist views because I did some narration work for author Jack Donovan, and, like him, used to associate with the neo-pagan tribe, the Wolves Of Vinland, and their off-shoot, Operation Werewolf.

I understand that some of you hold our music very close to your hearts, and it makes sense why you would want to know where I stand.

I did hang around these guys in the past, but do not anymore. I was never a member of Wolves Of Vinland, and we communicated seldom; it was mostly a one-sided relationship. Perhaps it’s because of this that I was ignorant to the extreme right, hateful and intolerant elements of their organization, at least until now. As hard as that may be for some to believe, I just never did the Google research and never encountered those elements in my limited interaction with these people.

There has been a lot of trauma in my younger life- namely my struggle with cancer, but other things too. I was in need of structure and guidance, drawn to their mantras of self improvement, and I see now that I sought it in the wrong place. I was unaware of the more extreme views of the group, which is my fault.

Now that I am, I don’t want anything to do with those views or people.

As many of you might know, death metal unfortunately doesn’t pay the bills, and I do voiceover by trade. Back in 2015, during a particularly tough time financially for the band, I partially narrated two titles by Jack Donovan. I never agreed with Jack‘s viewpoints, but I had yet to fully realize the harm of even associating and lending credence to those viewpoints.

Neither I nor anyone else in BCI harbor hate for anyone, and we don’t support groups/individuals that do.

We whole-heartedly support Black Lives Matter, and are glad attention is being brought to the issue of police brutality.

Music is what drives our lives, and the love and experiences we garner in the process. It’s something we are very grateful for. In this divisive time, we seek to sow understanding, and encourage everyone to do the same.”

[via The PRP]