Irish singer ‘sexually assaulted’ during gig for second time as band blast ‘disgusting’ act and vow ‘will not be silent’
A DUBLIN singer has allegedly been sexually assaulted for the second time while on tour with her band.
Karla Chubb, the lead singer of Dublin-based grunge band Sprints, was allegedly groped and harassed while performing at one of the band's recent gigs.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Sprints posted a statement revealing that Karla had been assaulted for the second time on Saturday.
The band performed in the Ulster Sports Club in Belfast on Saturday night when the incident took place.
The statement said: "Yesterday, Karla was sexually assaulted for the second time while on the Letter To Self tour.
"The fact that this has occurred twice is abhorrent, the fact it still happens at all is disgusting.
"We will not stand for it and we will not stay silent about it.
"Female performers should be able to engage with their audience, step off the stage or perform without fear of groping, unwanted touching, cat-calling and harassment.
"The fact that this is still an every day occurrence for most women is beyond reprehensible.
"To those who noticed and called out the behaviour yesterday, thank you. To those of you responsible for the behaviour, shame on you. Do better."
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Many fans took to the comments to share their disgust at the situation and lent support to Karla.
One said: "If this is a widespread thing surely the industry, from labels, venues, and music media could do more to protect artists from this happening."
Another said: "So sorry to hear this. Having seen Sprints many times and knowing the whole Band give their all and always have time for their audience it is reprehensible and frankly criminal behaviour by a small minority. Much love to Karla and the rest of the Band."
A third wrote: "Disgusting that this can happen at live music events let along to the artists performing it's a group responsibility to address and stop it and anything less than that is insufficient."
While a fourth noted: "The fact that this happened at all is absolutely maddening. Sending her love and appreciate everyone speaking up. Perpetrators should be banned from further gigs."
'Abhorrent'
Another said: "I hope something comes of this. It’s abhorrent considering that it undermines the point that live music is all about connection. I love your debut album and I hope the rest of the tour goes well."
Sprints have been touring across the world since February, with the final dates of the tour taking them through Ireland.
The band formed in 2019, composing of Karla Chubb, Sam McCann, Colm O’Reilly and Jack Callan.
They released their debut album Letter To Self in January of this year.