Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to reports from the Czech Republic.
The singer was arrested before the band’s scheduled show at Prague’s Hard Rock Cage and was later charged. The band were then forced to pull out of their planned performance.
The incident from which Blythe has been charged reportedly took place in 2010 at the band’s show at Club Abaton, in Prague. According to reports, a fan jumped up on the stage where a tussle ensued in which the fan was injured. The fan later died, reportedly as a result of those injuries. Authorities are now seemingly claiming that Blythe is responsible for the fan’s death.
A translated statement from local Prague police reads as follows: “We have arrested the singer and charged him with the crime of bodily harm of 4th degree and resulting in the death of the fan.”.
Maria Ferrero, a spokesperson for Lamb Of God said that Blythe was was “wrongfully accused,” adding that the “lawyers are dealing with it, and we expect him to be fully exonerated”.
She has since given an update on the situation, which reads as follows: “Lamb Of God’s management will be issuing an official statement regarding the charges made against singer Randy Blythe. As no formal charges have yet been made and the case is only in the investigation stages, it would be premature to make an official statement filled with false truths or innuendos.”
She continued: “Under no circumstances was there a fight of any kind involved. This incident deals with a fan that three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head.”
She continued further: “Again, until the investigation is concluded this weekend, nothing more will be released, but clarity and the facts needed to be addressed on this one reported point which is totally inaccurate.”
Lamb Of God, who are currently touring the world in support of their new album ‘Resolution’, have spoken briefly about the situation on Twitter, simply writing: “Freerandyblythe”.
by Wallace McTavish
