Jesse Hughes, frontman of band whose concert was targeted in Paris attacks, says his suggestion anyone affiliated with Bataclan played a role is ‘baseless’

The frontman of Eagles of Death Metal, the band whose concert was targeted in the Paris attacks, has apologised for alleging the club’s security guards were involved, saying his remarks were the result of his struggle with trauma.

Bataclan owners condemn Eagles of Death Metal frontman's suggestion their guards were complicit in massacre Read more

“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,” said Jesse Hughes, singer and guitarist of Eagles of Death Metal.

“My suggestions that anyone affiliated with the Bataclan played a role in the events of 13 November are unfounded and baseless – and I take full responsibility for them,” he said in a statement.

The artist in an interview with the Fox Business channel had cast suspicion on the guards of the Bataclan club, suggesting some had been involved in the attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

Ninety people were killed when assailants opened fire and hurled grenades during the set of the California garage rockers in the deadliest of a series of coordinated attacks around Paris.

The Bataclan, a historic venue for mid-sized acts in Paris, strongly denied the rocker’s suggestion, saying its staff likely saved hundreds of lives and concluded his judgment was clouded by the trauma.

Hughes offered a similar rationale in his apology, saying: “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 13 November.”

Hughes also said his earlier statements did not reflect the views of others in the band, declaring: “The shame is 100% mine.”

A total of 130 people were killed in the series of attacks, with 350 more injured.