Recently, the iconic rock band Brand New, who disbanded in 2017, surprised their loyal fanbase by announcing a series of new concerts, culminating in a highly anticipated 24-date U.S. comeback tour. However, shortly after this exciting announcement, vocalist and guitarist Jesse Lacey found himself embroiled in new allegations of grooming, casting a shadow over the reunion festivities.

Understanding the Serious Allegations Facing Jesse Lacey

On Friday, April 4, a user named Aiyana published an impactful post on Medium titled “A Call for Accountability: Why Jesse Lacey and Brand New Should Not Be Touring Right Now.” The post opens with a critical disclaimer:

Disclaimer: The account that follows is a reflection of my personal experiences and perspectives. It is rooted in my memories and interpretations of events. I do not claim to speak for anyone else nor am I presenting definitive statements about the intentions or actions of others involved. This is my personal narrative, shared to elevate awareness about issues of grooming and power dynamics within the music industry.

Aiyana goes on to recount her experiences from 2006, when she was a teenager, navigating the complexities of identity, self-worth, and relationships. She expresses:

The music of Brand New defined my adolescence, and like countless others, I idolized Jesse Lacey. His lyrics resonated with the trials of youth, the heartache of growing up, and the turmoil of unreciprocated love. Being acknowledged by him felt like a validation of my worth and identity as a young woman.

What I failed to recognize at the time was that my admiration was being exploited. Jesse skillfully made me feel valued and special, leveraging the power imbalance between a fan and a celebrity. His playful comments, such as wishing I were older or making me feel uniquely noticed during his performances, were flattering yet disarming. These seemingly innocent interactions were part of a troubling pattern of grooming.

She continues with detailed accounts of her experiences, urging readers to explore her full narrative for a comprehensive understanding. Aiyana also shares multiple photographs from her time with Lacey, including some that allegedly feature previous accuser Emily Driskill.

As reported by Stereogum, Aiyana recounts her experience of meeting Lacey and his tour manager alongside her best friend. Aiyana was only 15 years old while her friend was 16, and Lacey was approximately a decade older. After presenting Lacey with handmade gifts, he requested her contact information, and Brand New’s tour manager granted them VIP access to various shows, inviting them backstage through AIM [AOL Instant Messenger] and allowing them to hang out regularly at the tour bus.

Stereogum further elaborates:

At a performance in Kansas [in July of 2006], Lacey reportedly became “playful” and “teasing,” stating, “If we’re gonna be friends, you’re gonna have to put up with a little teasing every now and then.” Lacey allegedly made comments like, “I wish you weren’t 15 years old.” After one show, the tour manager reportedly texted Aiyana saying something akin to, “You two are so cute — Jesse and I were just discussing how we want to snuggle with you both on the tour bus.”

Lacey would frequently give shoutouts to Aiyana and her friend during performances, dedicating songs to them. On one occasion, he even invited them to his lake house for a swim and offered to drive them to Walmart to buy swimsuits. Although they were restricted from the afterparty, Lacey allegedly insisted on driving them back to [their] their hotel.

One night, while Aiyana, her friend, and Lacey were playing video games on the tour bus, he was playfully teasing her when she jokingly asked, “Why do you hate me so much?” Lacey allegedly replied, “I don’t hate you; the truth is I’m in love with you, but you’re just not old enough for me to marry you yet.”

When a friend of Aiyana, who was also a fan of Brand New, discovered the conversations between Aiyana and Lacey and shared them with Lacey, he allegedly called Aiyana and her mother, insisting that they keep their relationship a secret. He was reported to have said something to the effect of, “You’ve become a close friend, one of my best friends, actually… and while we understand our relationship, others might not without more context.” After this revelation, whenever Aiyana interacted with Lacey’s friends, he would remark, “Be careful, she might take what you tell her and post it online.”

Aiyana also shares:

In 2007, Jesse made an effort to meet with me on two occasions in New York City while I was visiting with my family. Jesse not only joined us for dinner but also spent one-on-one time with me, taking me to his favorite music stores and even surprising me with a vintage Polaroid camera. I vividly recall that as soon as my mother was out of sight, he put his arm around me and walked closely beside me down the streets of New York, holding me closer than ever before. I was only 16 at that time.

Aiyana ultimately reveals that Lacey’s behavior contributed to her struggles with promiscuity, self-esteem challenges, and the development of complex PTSD. She reflects, “The feeling of being special and chosen by him was merely a facet of his grooming strategy. For those of us affected, it remains a haunting experience.”

As of now, neither Lacey nor Brand New have publicly addressed these latest allegations.

READ MORE: Setlist + Video – Brand New’s First 2025 Reunion Show Features 18 Songs

Exploring Previous Allegations Against Jesse Lacey

It’s important to note that this is not the first instance of Lacey facing allegations of grooming behavior. In November 2017, Loudwire reported multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against him, including soliciting nude photos from two minors [Emily Driskoll and Nicole Elizabeth Garey].

Loudwire specifically noted that a since-deleted Facebook post from an individual named Garey detailed Lacey’s attempts to groom her in 2003 when she was just 15 years old. After meeting the band during a photoshoot, Lacey exchanged contact information with her and later requested that she send nude photos, which she consented to at the time. Lacey was 24 years old at that point.

Furthermore, the communication between them continued into Garey’s adulthood, culminating in a Skype video chat where Lacey allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior.

Regarding Driskill, Loudwire reported that she claimed Lacey’s sexual misconduct occurred when she was 16, and she was also solicited for nude photographs at 17.

Loudwire continued:

Lacey allegedly sent explicit photos of himself in return and engaged in numerous Skype video chats where he masturbated, threatening her that if she did not comply with his requests, her access to the band would be diminished. She recounted an incident in the band’s green room at a Texas show where he pinned her against the wall, subjecting her to unwanted physical contact. At the time, she was 18.

Following these allegations, Lacey issued a statement acknowledging his past behaviors but refrained from directly addressing the original grooming allegations. He confessed to developing a dependent and addictive relationship with sex early in his life and expressed remorse for his actions:

The actions of my past have caused pain and harm to numerous individuals, and I want to express my sincere apologies. I do not seek to defend myself nor do I forgive myself. In my past, I was selfish, narcissistic, and insensitive, and many people have had to bear the consequences of my failures. I apologize for the pain I have caused and hope to take the right steps to earn forgiveness and trust.

As noted by Loudwire in 2024, Brand New had already planned to disband in 2018 following the release and tour for their 2017 album Science Fiction. However, the allegations against Lacey accelerated their decision to break up.

<br />

Returning to Aiyana’s post, she also articulated that “Lacey should not be allowed to tour right now” because “to [her] my knowledge, he has yet to identify specific harmful behaviors — such as grooming, manipulation, and coercion — and has not reached out to any victims to offer restitution.”

The Impact of Brand New’s Reunion Amidst Controversy

In the years following the initial allegations against Lacey, Brand New remained disbanded. Nevertheless, they made a surprising comeback in December 2024 with a “secret performance” in Nashville, Tennessee. Recently, they announced three reunion shows in 2025, which took place in Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. By late March, they confirmed the previously mentioned 24-date tour across the U.S.

The band is scheduled to perform from late May through early July, but it remains uncertain how the most recent allegations against Lacey will affect their upcoming shows and overall reputation.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support and resources are available. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or call 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) for assistance.