PHILIP ANSELMO's DOWN Bandmate PEPPER KEENAN 'Accepts' His Apology

Philip Anselmo's DOWN bandmate Pepper Keenan says that he is "saddened and confused" by the ex-PANTERA singer's behavior at last month's "Dimebash" and hopes that Anselmo "will focus his energy on self-reflection and begin the process of regaining perspective, healing himself and those lives he has touched through music."

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo has since released a video message, saying that he "deserves completely" the "heat" that he has been getting over his actions and claiming to be "a thousand percent apologetic to anyone that took offense to what [he] said."

Now Keenan has taken to his Facebook page to offer his take on what transpired. He said: "Anyone who knows me is aware that I am not one to dabble much in social media. However, due to what transpired last week at Dimebash, I feel the need to respond and reach out to friends, family, music peers and fans worldwide.

"I am saddened and confused by the behavior of Philip Anselmo last week. I do not condone what was gestured and said. This lapse in judgment of 'making a joke' was in terribly poor taste and unacceptable.

"That philosophy is the opposite of what I am about. My heart follows love and soul and my music has been inspired from people of all walks of life and musical styles. I view music as a gift that is universal and intended for all of humanity. As a proud New Orleanian, life is about celebrating diversity through music, it's about bringing people together, not tearing apart.

"I won't speak for Phil but I've known him most of my life and I know there is not hate in his heart. However, I hope at this moment in time Phil will focus his energy on self-reflection and begin the process of regaining perspective, healing himself and those lives he has touched through music.

"Through DOWN, Philip and I have written many beautiful and powerful songs in the past that have touched and inspired people from all walks of life positively and have helped pull many out of their own darkest hours. This is not something I take for granted and should always be at the forefront of one's conscience to keep you grounded, humbled and grateful.

"One of the responsibilities and joys, in my opinion, of being an artist or musician is having the ability to help make the world a better place.

"I accept Phil's apology, and I believe he can.

"I'll be there…if needed.

"Love and Respect."

Several notable musicians have come out and criticized Anselmo for his actions, including MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn, who uploaded an eleven-minute video response to the incident in which he called Anselmo a "big bully" and described Philip's behavior as "fucking wrong."

Earlier today, Anselmo released another statement in which he said: "My [DOWN] bandmates are now experiencing the consequences of my behavior, and I now publicly apologize to them as well. Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I've privately suggested to them that they move on without me.

"My biggest obstacle(s) are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on.

"I'm repulsed by my own actions, and the self-loathing I'm going through right now is justified by the hurt I've caused."