Incident prompted former manager to cut ties

WELLINGTON: A former manager for some of the Wellington musicians accused of numerous sexual assaults has spoken out about why he distanced himself from the group.

His comments come as bars and clubs around the city move to ban the group from their venues.

The ex manager, whom this article will not name for legal reasons, said he managed part of the group several years ago, but recently cut ties with them after an incident where a female friend was allegedly harassed.

A team of at least 12 Wellington detectives is investigating claims of sexual assault, drugging and violence after at least 60 people posted on social media about their alleged experiences with the men.

While multiple testimonies were shared on Instagram, police yesterday said they had only received a small number of official complaints so far.

They are encouraging others to come forward with their complaints.

The former manager told the Herald he had nothing to do with the alleged crimes, and that he had not been associated with the group for at least a year.

He cut all ties with them some months ago after an alleged incident where one of the men contacted a woman he knew and began sending messages.

The videos contained messages ‘‘basically just saying how much of a better life he could give her over her boyfriend’’.

He said he ended up calling the man to confront him about the behaviour.

He felt the man and the other members of the group had become ‘‘a bit detached from reality and what respecting women actually meant’’.

Bars and clubs around Wellington have begun speaking out by saying they would ban the group of musicians from their venues.

Hospitality Group Wellington owner Matt McLaughlin said the group would be banned from his three venues.

‘‘Look, we don’t want that kind of behaviour in Courtenay Place and I certainly don’t want that type of behaviour in my businesses,’’ he said.

The owner of Valhalla bar also said they would be banned.

A record label, which the most prominent artist had previously been under, said the man was no longer signed.

Victim advocate Louise Nicholas has been supporting several women who had brought forward their complaints.

‘‘The fact that police were on to it immediately and pulled a team of 12 together and the investigations have started’’ was also reassuring, she said.

Anyone with information or complaints relating to the case can call police on 105 and quote Operation Emerald. — The New Zealand Herald