5 Seconds of Summer guitarist Michael Clifford has denied “untrue” accusations of sexual assault, and apologised for offensive tweets he posted in the past.
The musician denied allegations that he sexually assaulted fans after performing at shows, writing: “I am heartbroken to read these things that are being said – they are just BEYOND untrue.”
Clifford said: “I was never allowed in the crowd, I only ever watched at front of house – and I would’ve never EVER done that. I’m so f***ing upset.”
After a fan urged Clifford to offer more than just one comment on the accusations, he posted a clip of a frenzied crowd greeting the band at a concert, writing: “This is what life was like in 2013 – please understand it would’ve been logistically impossible for me to get through a crowd at a show I just played at!
“I’m not trying to be defensive, I promise this is just so completely false.”
The allegations against Crawford came from several Twitter users. One shared a second-hand account that claimed the guitarist had invited an underage fan to his hotel room after supporting One Direction in 2014.
It was alleged that Clifford touched the anonymous girl "inappropriately" after she accepted his invitation.
One allegation, which was later deleted, read: "The exact same situation, except that I was wearing a mini skirt and he slid his hand under it so I froze and I didn’t know what to do. I was 14. FOURTEEN. and that f***ing situation keeps happening in my head over and over everyday.
"I bet he doesn’t even remember because to him [he] was playing but to me it was and still feels traumatic. I swear it’s true."
Clifford also promised his fans he is “a different person now” after someone re-posted sexist and anti-gay remarks he made on social media years ago.
“I am so f***ing sorry for all the dumb s*** I did when I was younger,” the 24-year-old wrote on Twitter.
“I am a different person now with a much better understanding of the world. Some people have access to a digital megaphone a bit earlier than they should, unfortunately, I was one of them.”
Clifford added: “I am so sorry for hurting anyone. It was never my intention. I was so naive and I am embarrassed and beyond sorry. I will continue to be better and I will continue to change. I never want to hurt anyone again.”
Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer formed in 2011.
