VCTMS drummer and founding member Meredith Henderson has issued a lengthy public statement addressing the recent abuse allegations surrounding the nü-metalcore band, apologizing to people she says she has hurt and acknowledging mistakes in her personal relationships, business dealings and treatment of those who have worked alongside the group.
Henderson’s statement follows the October 8 departure of guitarist Mike Joseph Clampitt, who accused her of a longstanding pattern of alleged abusive behavior involving bandmates, touring crew and others connected to the band. VCTMS vocalist John Matalone has also addressed the controversy, acknowledging internal tensions and taking responsibility for his own handling of conflicts within the group.
After initially saying she needed time to reflect before speaking publicly, Henderson has now offered a more detailed response, acknowledging the impact of her actions and expressing a desire to rebuild trust with those affected.
“I’ve been apart of VCTMS for the past 13 years as the founder and last original member, in the bands tenure I’ve made a lot of mistakes—in business, in friendships, and in my personal life. Some of those mistakes have been at the expense of the people I love and ultimately you reap what you sow.”
“Hearing how my actions have negatively impacted past members, crew, and friends has been a rude awakening. I cannot diminish how I’ve made people feel, and I am deeply sorry to anyone I’ve hurt or disrespected in my time here.”
Henderson acknowledged that while she does not believe her actions came from a place of malice, she recognizes that her behavior has negatively affected others.
“I don’t operate from a place of malice, but I have been negligent to understand how cruel and selfish I can be.”
Addressing her responsibilities within VCTMS, Henderson said she spent more than a decade handling much of the band’s management and behind-the-scenes work while neglecting her own mental and physical health. She described experiencing burnout and apathy, which she said contributed to problems in her relationships and working environment.
Henderson also referenced previous hospitalizations and health struggles, acknowledging that she continued pushing forward instead of stepping back when she needed time to recover.
“Burnout and apathy caught up with me, and instead of taking a step back when I was struggling or recovering from my hospitalizations, I let stress bleed into my relationships and work environment. Turning me into someone who created tension, pushed people away, and at times treated people poorly, when they deserved better. That is entirely on me.”
She further acknowledged that her dedication to the band did not excuse how she treated those around her.
“Pouring myself into this band for 13 years doesn’t excuse operating on empty or being abrasive towards the people working for the band.”
Henderson also addressed concerns surrounding VCTMS’ touring finances, stating that all working crew members from the band’s most recent tour had been paid. She added that anyone with outstanding payments from previous tours should contact either her or vocalist John Matalone directly so the matter can be resolved.
“Regarding business operations and tour logistics: all working crew members from our most recent tour have been settled. If there is any outstanding debt from past tours, please reach out to John or me directly so we can handle it immediately.”
While acknowledging the damage caused by her actions, Henderson said she remains aware of the positive experiences she has shared with people throughout the band’s 13-year history. However, she recognized that those memories do not erase the harm others may have experienced.
“There’s been a lot of great moments, but I know that doesn’t change the damage. It just reminds me who I’m capable of being and I’m committed to see that version of myself through. I can admit when i mess up.”
Henderson also addressed the departures of Mike Joseph Clampitt and Davion, saying she respects their decisions to leave and prioritize their well-being.
“I respect Mike and Davion’s decision to walk away and prioritize their well-being, I never wanted to put anyone through so much grief to a point where they feel the only option is to leave. Nobody deserves to feel like they have to suffer to live out their passion.”
Looking ahead, Henderson said she intends to focus on her health, continue therapy and address health issues that worsened over the summer. She also plans to reach out privately to people she has hurt once she has had sufficient time to reflect on the situation.
“I’ll be taking time to focus on my health—continuing the therapy I restarted right before this tour and addressing the health issues that flared up over the summer. I also plan to reach out privately to apologize to those I’ve hurt once there’s been enough time to fully reflect on everything that needs to be said.”
Regarding the future of VCTMS, Henderson confirmed that she and Matalone are equal partners in the band’s LLC, bank account and van. She said the two will discuss what happens next, while acknowledging that she does not yet have all the answers.
“John and I are equal partners in this as we’re co owners of the LLC, the bank account, and the van so we’ll discuss what happens next. I don’t have all the answers right now, but at the least I can say is thank you. I have a laundry list of regrets.”
Henderson concluded her statement by recognizing the work still ahead if she hopes to regain the confidence of those affected by the controversy.
“This was a wake up call, and I know I have to earn back trust and respect—if that’s even possible. We’ll see.”
“The only real way to grow is to lose.”
She closed by expressing hope that those affected by the situation will eventually be able to heal, signing off with a message to the band’s community:
“Be safe everyone. I hope to anyone affected can all heal in the end. bad luck crew forever.”
Henderson’s statement acknowledges mistakes in her conduct and relationships but does not directly address each individual allegation raised by Clampitt, including his claims concerning the treatment of crew members, safety and the handling of band funds. The allegations remain part of the respective accounts shared by those involved, while VCTMS’ future plans remain uncertain as Henderson and Matalone consider their next steps.
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