Mumford and Sons are "appalled" by reports of sexual assault at Sweden’s Bravalla Festival over the weekend.
The band headlined alongside acts including Rammstein and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis but insisted they won’t return until they get assurances that police and organisers will take action to prevent anything like the reported five rapes and 12 sexual assaults happening again.
They wrote on Facebook: "We’re appalled to hear what happened at the Bravalla Festival last weekend. Festivals are a celebration of music and people, a place to let go and feel safe doing so. We’re gutted by these hideous reports.
"We won’t play at this festival again until we’ve had assurances from the police and organisers that they’re doing something to combat what appears to be a disgustingly high rate of reported sexual violence."
This is not the first time Mumford and Sons have stood up for their fans.
In April they donated the profits from their North Carolina gig to a local LGBTQ group after outcry over the state’s Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which decides which toilet a transgender person can use.
They said in a statement: "As a band that relishes welcoming everyone to our shows and promoting tolerance, we do want to take a stand with the people of North Carolina who this week are shouting loudly against intolerance, fear and discrimination.
"Over the years we’ve looked for ways to contribute to the vitality of local communities and, in that spirit, we’re now creating a charitable fund to support those who have made it their mission to pursue love and justice. We will be donating all of our profits from this show to this new fund. And we will start by making a donation from it to a local LGBTQ group."
Mumford and Sons slam Swedish festival
