EAGLES OF DEATH METAL Frontman Begs For Forgiveness After Hinting Bataclan Security Knew Of Attacks

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL frontman Jesse Hughes has apologized to the staff and security of the Bataclan for implying in a recent interview that they may have known about, or even been involved in, the terrorist attack which killed 89 people at the Paris, France venue.

Hughes gave an interview to Fox Business earlier in the month in which he claimed that six security guards did not show to work the night of the attacks up and others acted strangely. "Out of respect for the police still investigating, I won't make a definite statement, but I'll say it seems rather obvious that they had a reason not to show up," Hughes said.

In response, a Bataclan representative stated: "Jesse Hughes spread some very grave and defamatory accusations against the Bataclan teams. A judicial investigation is undergoing. We wish to let justice proceed serenely. All the testimonies gathered to this day demonstrate the professionalism and courage of the security agents who were on the ground on November 13. Hundreds of people were saved thanks to (these agents') intervention."

Earlier tonight, Hughes released the following statement regarding the matter:

"I humbly beg forgiveness from the people of France, the staff and security of the Bataclan, my fans, family, friends and anyone else hurt or offended by the absurd accusations I made in my Fox Business channel interview. My suggestions that anyone affiliated with the Bataclan played a role in the events of November 13 are unfounded and baseless — and I take full responsibility for them. They do not reflect opinions of my bandmates or anyone associated with EAGLES OF DEATH METAL. The shame is 100% mine. I've been dealing with non-stop nightmares and struggling through therapy to make sense of this tragedy and insanity. I haven't been myself since November 13. I realize there's no excuse for my words, but for what it's worth: I am sincerely sorry for having hurt, disrespected or accused anyone."

Like the rest of the world, the rock community was stunned by the horrifying events that took place in Paris, France on November 13, 2015, when at least six coordinated terrorist attacks claimed the lives of 129 people, including the concertgoers attending the show by EAGLES OF DEATH METAL at the Bataclan. About 350 more at the show were injured.

In the wake of the attacks, FOO FIGHTERS and DEFTONES canceled the rest of their European tours, while U2 postponed a special broadcast from Paris and COLDPLAY postponed a live streamed concert in Los Angeles. Other bands like FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH carried on with their tours, although a rumored threat against a show by the latter band in Milan, Italy, forced them to cancel that and several other gigs.

Although none of the musicians in EAGLES OF DEATH METAL were harmed, several tour personnel and record company staffers who worked with that band and many others did not survive the nightclub attack.