Lydia Night, a musician, attacked American rock band SWMRS after they made a video addressing sexual misconduct charges against Joey Armstrong, the band’s former drummer. In July 2020, Night accused Armstrong of emotionally and sexually abusing her while they were together. On Wednesday, October 12, she shared a video in which she slammed SWMRS’ Cole Becker for using his brother’s injury to elicit sympathy and commented on her “terrible experience.”
She accused him of “victim-blaming and gaslighting” her “once again,” saying:
“How dare you tell the truth about my age being 16?” He made me give him oral s*x as a juvenile, thus there was statutory rape. “That’s s*x.” I have no influence over what others name him. I have no influence over whether or not you feel ‘canceled’ by the scenario. All I can control is myself stating my truth and attempting to recover from the horrible experience I had as a youngster with your bandmate and closest friend.”
While abusing them multiple times, Night closed the video by saying that SWMRS did not need to accept any responsibility.
Joey Armstrong’s charges were addressed by SWMRS.
SWMRS, which originally comprised Cole Becker, Max Becker, Joey Armstrong, and Seb Mueller, issued a long video for their fans on October 12 in which they revealed that the latter two had left and that the former two would “keep the band going.” Cole opened the video by apologizing for the delay, saying, “It’s simply been difficult to find the perfect words to say.”
He then addressed Night’s charges of “emotional abuse and sexual coercion” against Armstrong, claiming that he was “shocked” by the allegations.
“Lydia was someone we thought of as a friend.” I quickly contacted her when I heard she was going to call Joey out. I recall Joey and her meeting months prior to discuss their relationship after the incident, and I thought it went well. So I was curious as to what had changed.”
When Night and Armstrong started dating, they were five years apart in age. He was 22 and she was 17. Cole says that once Lydia made her allegations public, he “quickly recognized that key elements had been exaggerated to make it look worse than it was.”
“I was present. I recall their short romance. I recall him spending Mother’s Day with her family.”
He then denied that Joey had pushed Night to keep their relationship quiet, claiming that everyone around them knew they were dating.
“I was also perplexed since they never had s*x, but many people started referring to him as a rapist.” And to us as rape defenders.”
He went on to defend Joey, saying Lydia’s remarks made “it look that Joey was a s*xual predator.” Cole Becker alleged that they received death threats and were “canceled” because they would not criticize their drummer Joey Armstrong.
“People were coming up with new ways to tell us how bad we were and how much they despised us.”
Cole also indicated that SWMRS will not split up and that Joey and Seb would walk aside “to build their personal lives,” while he and Max will remain in the band.
“After all we’ve gone through, quitting seems silly.” Since the accident, he has worked tirelessly on his recuperation with the sole goal of being able to perform rock music on stage again. Our band means a lot to us, and I believe it does to many of you as well.”
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What did Lydia Night confess In July 2020?
Lydia Night came to Instagram in July 2020 to make a long statement alleging Joey Armstrong, the son of Green Day vocalist Billy Armstrong, of emotional and s*xual abuse throughout their relationship. The 22-year-old singer revealed Armstrong’s alleged abuse and treatment of her, including how he would set “rules” and “shame” her when she expressed discomfort.
Lydia also alleged that Armstrong lied to her and disregarded her when she refused to “consent” to his activities and that he even coerced her into performing s*xually.
“Whenever we saw one other, he made it a point to position us in situations where he could gain s*xual enjoyment.”
She said that their connection ended two months before her 18th birthday and that she had some time to think about what had occurred to her. Lydia also stated that her band went on tour with the SWMRS following the event, but “this tour seemed different from the ones in the past” since they were treated like strangers.
“It seemed like SWMRS and their crew was doing all in their power to punish me.”
It took her years to “finally grasp that I am a victim of violence,” she said.
“Three years later, I’m still recalling horrible moments between Joe and my relationship.” It impacted me hard and had a significant impact on my self-esteem.”
Lydia said that she confronted Joey about his treatment of her and that he apologized. She also said that SWMRS member Cole had left her a “hand-written letter” from Joey, but it made no mention of the alleged violence she had suffered.
