The heavy music ensemble Coalesce has openly responded to allegations that have emerged online concerning guitarist jes Steineger. The band confirmed their awareness of these claims and shared insights into their internal investigation, ultimately voicing support for Steineger while recognizing that mistakes were made.

A statement from Coalesce revealed that the controversy stemmed from an inappropriate yet consensual email correspondence between Steineger and a 24-year-old student at the university where he was employed earlier this year.The band emphasized that they managed the situation internally, reaching conclusions only after a comprehensive review of all pertinent documents and communications.

Coalesce also acknowledged concerns regarding power dynamics in academic settings, asserting that the narrative circulating online has escalated beyond what they beleive is substantiated by evidence.

The band remarked: “We are aware of a Reddit thread and associated comments making accusations against our guitarist, Jes, which implicate us as well. Earlier this year, Jes informed us about engaging in a mutual but inappropriate email exchange with a 24-year-old student at his university. given the evident issues surrounding power dynamics, we requested to review all correspondence and evidence available. We examined everything thoroughly.”

“The physical interactions mentioned publicly involved consensual gestures such as ‘pinkie swears’ initiated by the student along with two non-sexual hugs; thereafter, no further physical contact was pursued or encouraged. there were no incidents of sexual misconduct or assault reported; no explicit images or materials were exchanged or solicited.”

“Jes has consistently accepted responsibility for initiating personal email communication and for not promptly informing the university,which led to his voluntary resignation from academia.”

“This matter arose within an educational context; however,despite Jes being affiliated with Coalesce,there was no influence exerted by our band in these events. Additionally, there was no quid pro quo behavior in his role as her professor. Documentation indicates that interactions were mutual; any interest expressed by the student predated these occurrences and ceased when Jes withdrew consent for any further engagement.”

“Jes’s actions were ill-advised; he acknowledges his errors repeatedly. However, we believe that the current narrative being circulated is significantly exaggerated compared to actual events. After reviewing all evidence ourselves,we stand firmly behindJes and reject these mischaracterizations.”