There’s rehabilitation and there’s allowing him / encouraging him to be in an environment where he’s likely to come into contact with minors and there being that power dynamic of him being a singer in a band and them a teenage fan. Also often without parental supervision. Ask Pete Wentz and all the other ones in the scene. If someone has shown that they have a predilection for underage girls then that is usually a philia. It’s one that isn’t going to go away with a bit of soul searching and stepping away from the limelight - it’s an attraction. Okay he might think he has it under control now but do we really want to facilitate someone like this playing all ages shows and seeing how far he’s come?
Something truly bananas about responding to a reminder that the dude actually hurt and abused young girls, and just being like "nah, I don't think he'll do it again" having never once met or talked to the dude lol.
What makes you think he’s not a danger to reoffend? My job is literally to deal with sexual offenders and address their recidivism and I can assure you the overwhelming majority will go on to offend if they have the opportunity and without intervention.
Out of curiosity, how many of them maintain their community of friends and family. Just getting ahead of "his friends haven't abandoned him!"
Immensely value your opinion over mine here, I’m leaning only on what we have seen publicly with his family and band supporting him. Putting him in a volatile environment may be the wrong move. I think it’s a fair debate to have.
You would be shocked how many wives / daughters appear in court in support of convicted sex offenders. Written character references included. Not all, but way more than you’d think.
I personally don't think I'd be shocked. Asked it so hopefully @CoachBalke would become aware that people remaining friends with someone, particularly someone who could be a cash-cow, is not compelling evidence of anything.
Appreciate the debate. It’s not something (generally) people can just choose to stop doing / wanting. I have been struggling to find an analogy that isn’t trivial but yeah putting that temptation in front of him wouldn’t be the wisest. Obviously not saying he DEFINITELY would, but you’d be much better erring on the side of caution
Especially when the behavior we're discussing (being in a band, playing live shows etc) is entirely a privilege. He had his chance to pursue his passion and we saw what he did with it. Why is he entitled to do it again?
You're talking about "danger to reoffend" as if he faced actual consequences for his behaviour, which he hasn't. He has never addressed the allegations of grooming or the ages of his reported victims, and he has done zero to support those victims as they dealt with backlash from fans. You're talking about "rehab" - my brother, this man can't even publicly acknowledge the actual issues. The closest he's come is one statement about being a bad person, cheating, and having a sex addiction, which are not the things people are upset about. Also, I think it's a mistake to base your support of Jesse on the actions of his friends and family. They have publicly stood by him the entire time. Because, again, he's faced almost no real consequences. If you want to see him live, do it. But do so knowing this public figure has done nothing publicly to earn your trust, make amends, or reconcile with the past.
Even "he lost his career" isn't a thing in this case since they were actively trying to retire lol. He faced literally not one consequence other than 4% of his fanbase thinks he's a creep now. Nothing.
Well articulated and thoughtful post. You raised some great points about his lack of facing it head on. I also heard some great thoughts about his likelihood to commit the same acts again being greater than I gave credence to. I believe it’s a fair debate whether restriction from your greatest earning power is the most effective way forward for criminals, but this thread opened my eyes to just how intertwined they are in this specific case. I personally believe he deserves another opportunity given the time passed and the little we know about his mindset today, but you’re so right - he’s done nothing to earn it.
i will say off top i haven’t listened to this band at all since 2016, would be fully upset if they reunite as has been rumored, and think the way people still defend jesse is disgusting. that being said, if the full proceeds are going to support the many displaced people who have had their lives uprooted and ruined because of a tragedy in the form of the fires, im not going to turn red in the face over him playing a show. seems fairly uncomplicated.
I agree with supporting the victims but coming so soon after that show in Nashville it seems a bit sus and self-serving. He could've just as easily sold some gear or test pressings of Deja or something.
If anyone else is looking for the erotic fan fiction Jason wrote about his wild time on the Brand New tour bus I think I saved it. Some of the content dates it pretty bad but the prose is really impressive.