A few weeks ago, vocalist Josh Davies was abruptly removed from deathcore group Ingested after sexual abuse allegations surfaced from a now-deleted TikTomek video that alleged Davies had taken advantage of underage girls. With that, it was a pretty short-and-sweet severance from Ingested, the band writing that: “Effective immediately, Josh Davies is no longer a member of Ingested. Adam Mercer will be handling vocal duties on the upcoming Bodysnatcher tour.”
Ingested is now on the aforementioned Bodysnatcher tour, opening alongside PSYCHO-FRAME and Big Ass Truck, and Davies has just provided his account of the events on Instagram, describing what led to the allegations as well as attaching photos to help support his side of the story. The main post says: “In light of recent allegations circulating online, I consider it important to address several matters directly.
Regarding the allegation from 7th July 2022, I have evidence demonstrating that on that date I was working during the day, returned home to prepare, travelled by train to attend a show, and then returned to work again at 5am the following moming. One of the bands performing stayed over after the show and no girls were present at that time.
When I initially messaged the individual making this allegation, I was unaware that she was 17 years and 364 days old. At the time I was 21 and believed she was around my age.
A second allegation was made by an individual who appeared anonymously in a video while publicly making statements about me. She stated that she was 17; however, evidence indicates she was 21 at the time. I also categorically deny the claim that I met her while she was intoxicated. At that time in my life I was sober and would not place myself in a situation where I was alone with someone who was intoxicated.
To date, I have not been contacted by the police and I am not currently under investigation, I categorically deny all allegations that have been circulated on social media. Any suggestion that I have abused or taken advantage of anyone is completely untrue.
While I acknowledge that in my younger years I lived a lifestyle where I met different people while single and struggling with my mental health, I stand firm that I have never abused or taken advantage of anyone.
It is disappointing that events from my past have been brought forward during significant moments in my life, including joining a new project, publicly sharing my relationship for the first time, performing at Download and announcing a recent tour.
Given the seriousness of these allegations, I am seeking advice from both the police and legal representatives. As this matter may now be subject to legal consideration, I will not be making any further public comment at this time.
Finally, I apologise to anyone who may feel distressed or triggered by seeing these allegations discussed online due to their own personal experiences.”
Then, in the caption, after the original statement and the photos, Josh Davies writes that: “The evidence provided clearly shows the date of the allegation made public and confirms that I was not present at the time the alleged incident is said to have occurred. It is therefore impossible for me to have committed any offence under those circumstances.
I also find it concerning that a group chat was created by an individual known to me, Ashley, within which the lengthy message referenced was circulated and later forwarded to me.
Whilst the nature of the allegations being made is extremely serious, falsely accusing someone of an offence they clearly have not committed is also a serious matter.
I challenge anyone making these allegations to provide credible evidence of any crime I have committed, either to myself or to the relevant authorities.
Harassment, malicious communications and defamation carry both criminal and civil consequences, and I will not accept the continued spread of false allegations.”
Davies left one last comment on the post, explaining that “in relation to a certain virus allegation I went private and had a blood test. I can confirm I am negative and anybody that is close to me that wishes to see, message me and I will show you the results :)”
You can see the post below in Instagram.
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