BRIAN COOK (RUSSIAN CIRCLES, BOTCH, Etc.) Speaks On Sargent House Allegations

Sargent House founder Cathy Pellow announced yesterday that she has stepped down from her position at the label after allegations against her have surfaced online.

Henry Kohen of the band Mylets posted a lengthy statement detailing his time living in a residence shared by Sargent House employees, where he alleges he molested by associate of the label Graeme Flegenheimer. Kohen further claims that when he reported the incident to Pellow, he was ignored and eventually made fun of. Artists such as Lingua Ignota and Chelsea Wolfe have since distanced themselves from the label.

Now in a statement posted to Twitter, Brian Cook of Sargent House bands Russian Circles, Botch, and Torment & Glory has spoken out saying he’s not really sure what’s going on. Cook said people should wait until they have all the facts to judge who they think is right or wrong in the situation, adding he’s been “living in the most convoluted and crappy soap opera this last week.”

“Hi. I’ve been a Sargent House artist for 17 years. I’m friends with a bunch of the artists & employees past and present. I know who’s slept with who, who’s mad at who, who lied to who, who has been privately talking to who… I know so much petty drama and dirt that you don’t.

“Cathy can be blunt and uncouth, but I’ve never witnessed anything warranting public outrage. Maybe I’m just lucky. Conversely, I’ve seen her routinely bail people out of bad situations. She’s housed people, paid medical bills, co-signed mortgages, talked people off of ledges.

“In many instances, I know why certain people were let go and why other people have chosen to leave over the years. Sometimes the private grievances don’t line up with the public explanations. But I’m not privy to any scandals.

“I know which shit adds up and which shit doesn’t. And I still don’t know what the hell is actually going on, but I know people fear internet mobs more than anything right now. So if you want a public statement, here it is:

“I applaud people for being angry given the information they have at hand. But if I don’t know what’s actually going on, then consider that maybe you don’t have the full picture either. And I’m not casting stones until I know who I can actually trust in this mess.

“Sorry for the cryptic thread. Been living in the most convoluted and crappy soap opera this last week and I’m just trying to assume the best about all my friends in this situation, but a bunch of shit isn’t lining up.”