Screeching Weasel's Ben Weasel Involved in Altercation at SXSW, Issues Apology

Screeching Weasel singer Ben Weasel has issued a statement regarding the onstage altercation he was involved in Friday evening (March 18) while performing at Austin's Scoot Inn as part of SXSW.

"I want to apologize to both the club owner and audience member involved for my actions during our show at SXSW on Friday night," Weasel said Sunday (March 20), as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

"While their actions were outside of my control, my regretful reaction is wholly my responsibility. Whatever my feelings are about fans crossing the line like that, I wish I could have that moment back and deal with it in the same spirit as I did the preceding 60 minutes.

"Since I can't, an apology is all I've got and I sincerely hope those people will accept it. Up front, I wish to say that I am sorry to the fan and any others who were involved."

"As a husband, father, and a musician on the public stage," he continued, "I understand that it is my duty to always take responsibility for my actions in a socially acceptable way, and most especially in the face of confrontation."

Weasel also apologized to his band, manager, label, booking agent and others, including fans hoping to see the band perform at their March 19 concert in San Antonio, which was canceled after the incident, noting he hopes to "make it up down the road."

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times on Saturday (March 19), the singer made repeated comments regretting the band performing in Austin before being hit by an ice cube. Weasel confronted the fan who tossed the ice cube -- reportedly a woman -- and asked them to come on stage to fight before approaching the fan and throwing a punch.

A YouTube clip from near the stage shows a second woman, who security said owned the venue, jumping on stage to stop the fight. Weasel turned towards her and punched the woman in the ribs. Security immediately came on stage and forcibly held Weasel before moving him off stage. Weasel clapped his hands towards the crowd before being removed.

Watch Screeching Weasel's Frontman Punch Women Onstage in Austin
Police were soon called to the venue with the venue's talent buyer Rufas Raxlen giving law enforcement Weasel's license plate number but by then the band had left. As of Saturday night, police would neither confirm nor deny whether charges had been filed.

The band's set was riddled with Weasel voicing his displeasure with SXSW, reportedly dedicating the song 'You're the Enemy' to festival organizers while stating they were only being paid $250 US for the set compared to $25,000 US for a San Antonio concert on Saturday night, the same concert that would be canceled following the Austin altercation.

"Gearing up to play the most depressing show of my life in the most joyless, soulless, shameful excuse of a music event in modern history," Weasel said in a tweet prior to the Austin show.

Screeching Weasel is touring behind their new album, 'First World Manifesto.'

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