Thundamentals’ Tuka Goes In On Damaging Male Behaviour After Alleged Brisbane Assault
"I can’t screen every fuck boy that buys a ticket. I can however state my opinion and pray that this reaches the people who need to hear it most."
Sydney hip-hop group Thundamentals have issued a fiery response following an incident at one of their recent sets, in which a young woman was allegedly thrown to the ground and hit by another audience member.
Band member Tuka shared a statement on Instagram yesterday, stating that the band were performing at Brisbane’s BeerInCider event when the alleged incident took place at the front of the mosh pit. According to Tuka, the perpetrator was wearing a cap that was knocked off by another audience member.
“Without taking a second her [sic] turned around, saw a young blonde girl behind him, assumed she was the one who took his hat, grabbed her, pushed her to the ground, and smacked her in the face,” Tuka wrote. “For the next 15 minutes he hid behind his mates and taunted her slicing his hand across his throat…even after people told him she wasn’t the one who did it. We alerted security…but he ducked down and sprinted away.”
In a separate caption, Tuka wrote that the incident was “heartbreaking”, and the police are now involved. “If the victim is reading this please know how deeply disturbing it was for Thundas and myself to find out about it. I’m so sorry that happened,” he wrote.
“I wish I could ensure the safety of people at my shows (especially women FYI). The sad fact is I can’t screen every fuck boy that buys a ticket. I can however state my opinion and pray that this reaches the people who need to hear it most and be held accountable for traumatising everyone involved. This kind of thing is happening all the time. It destroys me.”
He goes on to write that his words aren’t directed at “all men”, and that most men are well rounded, loving, and calm. “A handful of you are not and in turn you are forcing society to form a distrust towards men in general. Trust me you don’t want that.”
“Please, if you are finding yourself in a situation where you feel the need to date rape someone or throw hands please seek help. Invest in a conversation with someone you trust, talk about why you are acting like this.”
He finishes by urging fans to look out for one another, and to seek help if needed. Read the full statement from Tuka below.
Statement By Tuka
Something heartbreaking happened at Thundamentals set at Beer InCider and I think it’s important to address. Again & again & again if need be.
Fortunately in this isolated case the perpetrator was found out and the police are dealing with it. If the victim is reading this please know how deeply disturbing it was for Thundas and myself to find out about it. I’m so sorry that happened.
I wish I could ensure the safety of people at my shows (especially women FYI). The sad fact is I can’t screen every fuck boy that buys a ticket. I can however state my opinion and pray that this reaches the people who need to hear it most & be held accountable for traumatising everyone involved. This kind of thing is happening all the time. It destroys me.
For the most part I respect the people who attend my gigs. I think Thundas and myself pull a beautifully diverse crowd that seem to enjoy themselves without assaulting one another.
This is not directed at all men, most men are well rounded, loving and calm people. A handful of you are not and in turn you are forcing society to form a distrust towards men in general. Trust me you don’t want that. It’s a lose lose bro.
Please, if you are finding yourself in a situation where you feel the need to date rape someone or throw hands please seek help. Invest in a conversation with someone you trust, talk about why you are acting like this. You will ruin your life if you don’t start addressing the aggressive outlook homie.
The world is not out to get you, everyone is trying to accept one another and there you are fucking shit up. We want to see you win I promise, please consider how you would feel if you were randomly sexually assaulted or physically attacked at a show for no reason, if your mother or little sister was.
If you find yourself loosing control exit the situation, you don’t need to ruin someone’s night/life over a stupid choice. I want to quickly acknowledge the people that are looking out for one another. Investing love in the strangers around them at a show, you all have something in common or you wouldn’t be there in the first place. Look after each other.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.