Slam Dunk Festival Director Steps Down Amid Allegations
Slam Dunk Festival has confirmed that one of its directors will be stepping down from all operational duties following a series of allegations that surfaced online. The festival, a staple of the alternative music scene, issued a formal statement on Friday (April 24) addressing the situation.
While the organization did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the claims or the identity of the individual involved, they emphasized the gravity of the situation. “We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors,” the statement read. “We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.”
The festival organizers noted that while the director in question “strongly refutes” the claims, a decision was reached in consultation with the board for them to step back while the matter is investigated. “Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority,” the statement continued. “The director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.”
The festival management further stated that they remain committed to fostering a “safe, respectful, and inclusive environment” for all attendees, partners, and employees. They acknowledged that the situation is currently an “ongoing legal matter,” making it inappropriate for them to provide further public commentary at this time. However, they pledged to maintain transparency with their community and promised to provide updates as the situation develops.
The allegations first gained traction after a woman shared claims on Instagram and other social platforms, accompanied by screenshots of an alleged conversation. The individual who made the claims later updated her followers, stating that she had been advised by police to remove the posts, a request she complied with despite her reservations.
Slam Dunk Festival is currently preparing for its 20th-anniversary celebrations, scheduled to take place at Hatfield Park on May 23 and Temple Newsam in Leeds on May 24. The event’s lineup features high-profile acts including Good Charlotte, Sublime, Knocked Loose, and Boston Manor. As of now, no artists have withdrawn from the festival, though fans have expressed concern regarding the potential impact of these developments on the upcoming shows.
