What you need to know
Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Régine Chassagne insist their 22-year marriage is over.
The former couple announced their separation on Thursday, Oct. 30, in a statement posted to the Grammy-winning band’s Instagram page.
Regarding their son, who was born in 2013, the statement said, “The two continue to love, respect, and support each other as they co-raise him.”
In their statement, Arcade Fire also hinted at the future of the band. “Our work with KANPE in Haiti will continue, and their bond as creative soulmates will endure, as will Arcade Fire,” the statement continued. “The band sends our love and looks forward to seeing you all on tour.”
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Butler, 45, and Chassagne, 49, married in 2003.
In August 2022, multiple women accused Butler of sexual misconduct in a report published by Pitchfork. Butler admitted to the affair but denied any wrongdoing. Chassagne released a statement supporting Butler at the time.
“While all of these relationships were consensual, I am extremely sorry to those I have hurt through my actions,” Butler said in a statement to Pitchfork in 2022. “As I look to the future, I continue to learn from my mistakes and strive to become a better person, someone my son would be proud of. (…) I regret that I wasn’t more aware and conscious of the impact I had on people. I failed. That’s no excuse, but I’m going to keep going.” Look forward, heal what you can, and learn from your past experiences. ”
Butler went on to tell the outlet that Chassagne is his “soulmate” and that he is “lucky and grateful to have her by my side.” He later added that Chassagne “patiently watched me suffer and tried to help me in any way she could. It must have been very difficult for her to see her loved one die.”
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In her own statement to Pitchfork, Chassagne called Butler her “soulmate” and said she was on his side because “I know he is a good person who cares about this world, our band, our fans, our friends, and our family.”
Chassagne said in 2022: “I know his innermost thoughts and he has never touched a woman without her consent, never will, and I am sure he will never do that.” “He got lost, but he found his way back. I love him and I love the life we built together.”
Arcade Fire’s current lineup includes Butler, Chassagne, Richard Reid Parry, Tim Kingsbury and Jeremy Gala. The band’s latest album, Pink Elephant, was released in May. Their 2011 album, The Suburbs, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, please text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line (741-741). Connect with a certified crisis counselor.
