The members of the Los Angeles hardcore band Zulu are putting the project “on pause.” They made the announcement while also acknowledging allegations of abuse that have been made against frontman and founder Anaiah Rasheed Muhammad.
Recently, the musician Simpson shared online her alleged experiences with Muhammad, claiming that the singer was physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive. She also described her relationship with Muhammad as “a violent one.”
Muhammad called the allegations of wrongdoing “false and deeply troubling.” He also denied “ever engaging in any form of physical abuse” and said he has “never engaged in any form of coercion, manipulation, or isolation toward” Simpson.
In their statement about the hiatus, the members of Zulu wrote, “We stand in solidarity with all people who are victims of abuse, and condemn the mistreatment of those vulnerable in our communities. Our hearts go out to anyone who has experienced any form of physical or emotional abuse, assault, or any other act that has caused harm and taken their agency away from them.”
Muhammad’s now-former bandmates also said they have “separated” themselves from him and “will no longer be working with or performing with him in any capacity.” The musicians also claimed that they had not been aware of allegations against the singer until they were recently made public.
In her Instagram stories, Simpson called Zulu’s statement “a lie” and pushed back on the notion that Muhammad’s bandmates were unaware of her allegations against him.
Pitchfork has reached out to the representative who worked with Zulu on A New Tomorrow for additional comment and information.
If you or someone you know have been affected by domestic abuse, we encourage you to reach out:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
