Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Guitarist Mike Joseph Clampitt has announced his departure from the nu metalcore ensemble VCTMS, as per theprp. In a statement released on October 8th, he attributed much of his exit to alleged abusive conduct by the band’s drummer and lyricist, Meredith Henderson, directed towards crew members and bandmates. He further claimed that Henderson had misappropriated band funds for “inappropriate uses” and other unspecified misconduct. Clampitt acknowledged his own role in permitting such behavior to persist and issued an apology to those affected within the band. As of the time of reporting, neither Henderson nor the band have issued public responses to Clampitt’s allegations.
After 5 years with VCTMS, I recently made the incredibly difficult but necessary decision to leave the band.
While there were so many great moments shared, and I am so proud of the music we put out that I contributed to, this past tour revealed to me that a line in the sand had been crossed long ago and I could no longer be an “innocent” bystander to the constant level of abuse I was watching being done to our crew, other members, other camps on our tour packages, and even to myself.
VCTMS has always had a rotating line of members and crew because everyone unfortunately reaches the same conclusion after spending time with us. Meredith is abusive in the way she treats others, and John and I enabled that abuse by never having the courage to stand up to her when necessary. For years I watched her berate others, throw physical items, publicly humiliate crew, refuse to pay people, and use band funds for inappropriate uses. All while keeping members of our management and team in the dark on all of it.
I’ve watched and allowed Meredith to put us in dangerous situations, some being life-threatening, and have had to sit back while she selfishly makes choices that constantly negatively impact others. Any attempts at compromise or good-faith conversation were always met with extreme negative reactions, and so that avenue was abandoned quickly into my time here.
I have held my tongue while she berated me, called me useless, cruel names, and did the same to crew, while she prioritized her own enjoyment on tour and rarely ever contributed to the aspects that go into being in a band.
VCTMS has cost me opportunities, it has cost me friendships, it has caused me emotional strife. Mainly because others have urged me to leave due to the constant abuse others witness on a day to day basis, and I always hoped things would get better.
I want to stress this is not coming from a place of malice, cruelness, or an attempt to ruin the bands reputation. But until these kinds of repeated actions are brought to attention and fully addressed, there’s no possibility for anyone to be given the room to change or grow.
This past experience, made me realize I had to stop being complacent, and accept my role in why the abuse was able to go on for so long unchecked. It was my responsibility to stand up for myself, my crew, and my friends much earlier. I hope my decision to no longer put up with this treatment shows my own willingness to accept and correct my own mistakes in this situation. And i hope everyone I let down in the past with my silence can forgive me.
— Mike
