With news emerging that police in Sweden are currently investigating five rapes and more than 10 sexual assaults at the Bravalla Festival in Stockholm, Mumford and Sons have vowed to boycott the event until there is a substantial improvement in security.
The band, who headlined the festival which took place between June 29th and July 2nd, took to their official Facebook page yesterday to condemn the action of some festival-goer's
"We're appalled to hear what happened at the Bravalla Festival last weekend," they began in the post which has been liked more than 25,000 times in 24 hours.
"Festivals are a celebration of music and people, a place to let go and feel safe doing so," they continued. "We're gutted by these hideous reports."
Making their feelings clear, they finished the post by confirming they would not be playing at Bravalla again until something is done to prevent such crimes.
"We won't play at this festival again until we've had assurances from the police and organisers that they're doing something to combat what appears to be a disgustingly high rate of reported sexual violence."
The post has been shared more than 1,000 times since its upload, and has opened a debate among the band's followers on how to approach the issue.
"Unfortunately the effect of any actions taken by the police and/or organisers will be limited because the root of this problem is on a much deeper societal level, where boys are raised in to thinking that this kind of behaviour is okay," began one Facebook user.
"We must teach our sons that it is never okay to rape, and teach our daughters that they should never accept to have their bodies and integrety violated in any way, shape or form in their lives," she added. (sic)
Another suggested the band need to play a more active role in combating the issue, writing: "OR you play at festivals but before each gig you actually tell the audience to look around and be more aware of the problem. Be part of the solution to reach out."
According to The Telegraph, Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, has vowed to tighten laws relating to sexual assault.
Feat image: Getty
