Facebook post by Network

STATEMENT REGARDING TOM MEIGHAN AND BE REYT FESTIVAL Network and Record Junkee is a small family run independent business. Our ethos is to host a wide range of diverse events and acts from Reggae Afrobeat to LGBT Event's. We also host and support live grassroots music like Metal, Punk and Indie to DnB, Techno and underground music. Whilst also stocking the music from said artists in our store, which we have done for years in Sheffield. Equally important to us is mental health. We run an annual charity event at Network called "Sponge Fest" with the aim of raising awareness and funds for several mental health charities. With this in mind we agreed to make Tom Meighan our headline act for "Be Reyt" a co-promoted music event with Away Days (A Festival dedicated to showcasing the best upcoming indie acts). Tom Meighan has suffered in the past with publicised mental health issues and admitted to allegations of abuse towards his partner, which contributed to him stepping down from his role as the singer and frontman of Kasabian. *[https://www.nme.com/news/music/kasabian-confirm-departure-of-singer-tom-meighan-after-struggle-with-personal-issues-2702190 ] [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Meighan ] In no way do our companies believe domestic abuse or abuse of any type is acceptable. Nobody should have to suffer any type of abuse. However, we do believe that people deserve a second chance. Tom has been to rehab and is now married to Vikki Ager. He's been confirmed for several festivals up and down the country including Sheffield, supporting acts such as Noel Gallagher and Razorlight, whilst also headlining his own shows at O2 Academies. It has been brought to our attention that there is a campaign online asking people to boycott our venue because of Tom’s presence. We do not accept that Tom should be cast out from the music community after working hard to better himself. We only ask for the same understanding that is given to the numerous venues across the country that allow him to perform either as a support act or a headline act. We will continue to support a diverse range of acts and styles as we have always done and we look forward to welcoming you to our venue for this event and many more events to come. Network & Record Junkee