For more than two decades, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne have been at the heart of Arcade Fire, a creative and romantic partnership that helped define the sound of indie rock’s grand, orchestral era.
Now, after 22 years of marriage, they’re parting ways, announcing their separation via the band’s official Instagram page.
‘They continue to love, admit, and support each other as they co-parent their son,’ the statement read. The pair share an 11-year-old son.
They also shared they will continue their work with KANPE, the Haiti-focused non-profit the two co-founded.
The statement reads: ‘Their bond as creative soulmates will endure, as will Arcade Fire. The band send their love and look forward to seeing you all on tour soon.’
Fans were quick to react to the news online, with X user @LingoUnbound
writing: ‘Arcade Fire show with divorced Win and Regine, I can’t imagine a more cursed vibe.’
@Concert_People morosely wrote: ‘Good for her…bad for the band… it’s over …thanks for the memories.’
@rdassaly mourned: ‘What a depressing arc this once great band has had.’
For fans, Butler and Chassagne were the emotional axis of a band that once turned domestic tension into myth.
But that myth has been complicated in recent years.
In 2022, Butler faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, detailed in a Pitchfork investigation.
Three women accused the Reflektor singer of having sexual interactions with them, which they felt were inappropriate due to the age gap between them; Butler was aged 34-39 when the incidents allegedly happened between 2015 and 2020, while the women were aged 18-23.
One fourth person, who is gender-fluid individual and uses they/them pronouns, alleged Butler sexually assaulted them twice in 2015 when they were 21 years old.
While Butler admitted to having affairs, he denied any non-consensual behaviour.
He said in a statement at the time: ‘While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behavior.’
He called himself ‘a work in progress’ and promised to learn from his mistakes.
Chassagne publicly defended him, describing Butler as ‘a good man who cares about this world’ and insisting he ‘has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent.’
Win Butler’s full statement to Pitchfork about the sexual assault allegations against him
‘I love Régine with all of my heart. We have been together for twenty years, she is my partner in music and in life, my soulmate and I am lucky and grateful to have her by my side. But at times, it has been difficult to balance being the father, husband, and bandmate that I want to be. Today I want to clear the air about my life, poor judgement, and mistakes I have made.
‘I have had consensual relationships outside of my marriage. There is no easy way to say this, and the hardest thing I have ever done is having to share this with my son. The majority of these relationships were short lived, and my wife is aware – our marriage has, in the past, been more unconventional than some. I have connected with people in person, at shows, and through social media, and I have shared messages of which I am not proud. Most importantly, every single one of these interactions has been mutual and always between consenting adults. It is deeply revisionist, and frankly just wrong, for anyone to suggest otherwise.’
‘I have never touched a woman against her will, and any implication that I have is simply false. I vehemently deny any suggestion that I forced myself on a woman or demanded sexual favors. That simply, and unequivocally, never happened. While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behaviour. Life is filled with tremendous pain and error, and I never want to be part of causing someone else’s pain.
‘In my 30s, I started drinking as I dealt with the heaviest depression of my life after our family experienced a miscarriage. None of this is intended to excuse my behaviour, but I do want to give some context and share what was happening in my life around this time…
‘I say to you all my friends, family, to anyone I have hurt and to the people who love my music and are shocked and disappointed by this report: I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the pain I caused – I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I f***** up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences. I can do better and I will do better.’
Source: Pitchfork
The statements were met with both support and skepticism, especially as the band’s North American tour continued amid calls for accountability.
He has never faced any legal actions over the women’s claims.
Pink Elephant, Arcade Fire’s most recent album, released this May, arrived to a more muted reception than their earlier, era-defining work, in large part due to the controversy.
Whether the band can continue to capture its special alchemy without its founding couple united – and amid controversies – remains to be seen.
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