Metal Anarchy

Anti-Flag bassist/vocalist Chris “No. 2” Barker has issued a new apology regarding their handling of the rape allegations against frontman Justin Geever (aka Justin Sane). Various women previously came forward with those accusations, including Kristina Sarhadi, who was recently awarded $1.9 million. For their part, the band claimed they were unaware of the disturbing behavior and blasted Geever.

Barker said the following about the situation:

“There has been a lot of work happening the last 2 years, much of it in private and at an intentional pace. I hope this letter can be part of a step forward.

I want to acknowledge the harm my former bandmate caused, and I am truly sorry that our response to it did not center the needs of survivors. I am grateful that this person’s true nature was exposed, and I recognize the importance of accountability — something he has not yet taken for himself.

I recognize that our initial public statement caused harm and disappointment, and I deeply regret the pain we contributed to. I regret not recognizing the warning signs of his depravity, and wish I had been more aware of the ways in which my privilege contributed to a false sense of safety around him. Regardless of the intentions, harm was caused, and I am sorry. I am sorry for the pain and betrayal experienced by survivors, and support them in demanding justice and healing. I respect their courage for sharing their truth.

This experience has left me feeling emotionally stuck and uncertain, but it has also motivated me to learn and change. I am committed to asking better questions, listening more deeply, and ensuring that I do not overlook signs of dishonesty or harm in others. I recognize that harmful behaviors rooted in patriarchy and narcissism are deeply connected to systems of oppression, and that we must continually challenge them. I believe in the importance of ongoing healing and justice for survivors.

Through the accountability sessions Chris, Pat, and I have engaged in with those survivors who have chosen to sit in with us, I continue to have hope that we can work toward collective accountability and repair. I am grateful for the patience and grace shown by those involved in the transformative justice work we have engaged in over the last 2 years, and I remain dedicated to supporting that process moving forward. To the survivors we have not spoken to, we believe you, and I am sorry if we let you down. We only have empathy and compassion for you and your path forward to healing.

To anyone affected by this, I offer my sincere empathy and regret. I acknowledge the pain and trauma that often accompanies situations like these and I will strive to hold space for your healing. Personally, this has been a painful journey — one that has deeply challenged my trust and faith in relationships — but I am committed to working through my own trauma with care and responsibility.

To those who believed in the band and the community we shared, I want to express my deep gratitude. I am ashamed of what has happened, but I am also attempting to grow from it. I do not yet know what my path with art or music will look like, but I only wish to lead with love and walk with kindness and beauty.

It is a difficult time in this world.
Please be gentle with yourselves and each other.”