It appears that post-hardcore singer Jonny Craig is living in San Antonio, or at least spending quite a bit of time here, according to his Instagram. He tags San Antonio in several posts — as recently as Thursday morning.
If you’ve listened to post-hardcore in the last decade or so, chances are you’ve heard of former Emarosa and Dance Gavin Dance singer Jonny Craig, who now fronts the band Slaves.
But the controversy surrounding Craig is almost more famous than his actual music. It seems that at least once a year, the dude shows up in a story about allegedly assaulting women or ripping off fans, according to rock magazine Alternative Press. This past November, that same magazine published an article announcing that Slaves had been dropped from the label after multiple women came forward on social media accusing the singer of assault:
Artery Recordings has decided to part ways with Slaves.
— Artery Recordings (@arteryrecording) November 17, 2017
Imagine being choked up against the wall by your boyfriend because you didn’t want to have sex. But it’s okay because he was high, he didn’t mean it.
— Elizabeth Ashley (@virtuallychokeU) November 13, 2017
Hey as long as we’re on the topic of pedophiles/predators in “the scene” ...@warnermusic #JonnyCraig pic.twitter.com/Z1dOrOU3n5
— Manda XO (@mandaxface) November 12, 2017
sharing a new part of my story today has made me feel as though I shed off an old layer of skin. I am morphing and becoming a woman with a voice. I am no longer scared of the consequences of revealing the truth about Jonny Craig. He no longer controls my mind or life choices.
— raine (@chelsearaine) November 14, 2017
Followed by throwing my things into the hallway, telling me to get out of his Sacramento home and me having to sleep in @christheasian's room
— raine (@chelsearaine) November 13, 2017
— raine (@chelsearaine) November 14, 2017
In 2015, the Warped Tour kicked the band off its lineup due to an allegation that Craig had assaulted a female crew member, according to Billboard. Later, Craig wrote an open letter to his fans mentioning his ongoing struggle with drug addiction.
"For years I have fought hard to escape my past and everything that comes with it," he wrote. "I have continually gotten clean, and then fallen right back into the same ruts. As most of you are aware…I have a problem: I am an addict. I have entered rehab twice. I have sought help multiple times. It just keeps happening."
Craig never really addressed the abuse allegations, but instead talked about his career.
"I am going to be working on new solo material with Kyle Lucas. Colin Vieira and I will eventually continue on as Slaves, and there will be more good news to come," Craig wrote.
Craig has never been arrested on charges linked to the assault allegations, just for drug possession and paraphernalia in 2011, according to a Noisecreep article.
In the recent unveiling wave of exposing abuse from men in positions of power, it's important to stay aware, and stay awake especially in our own community. And whether or not Craig is "clean," with these recent allegations coming just two months ago, it'd be smart to use caution if you see this dude on the St. Mary's Strip — or any bar or venue for that matter.
