Slam Dunk festival director steps back from role following allegations

One of the directors behind Slam Dunk festival has agreed to step down from operations after allegations surfaced online earlier this week.

A statement released by the festival on Friday (24th April) confirmed the decision, though did not specify the nature of the allegations or identify the individual involved. "We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community," the statement read.

"Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority. While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing."

The festival organisers described the situation as "an ongoing legal matter" and stated it would be "inappropriate" to offer further comment at this stage. "However," they said, "we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so."

The allegations originally appeared via Instagram and other social platforms, posted by a woman who included a screenshot of a purported conversation with the accused individual. She has since removed the post, stating on Instagram that police had advised her to do so, and that she was "following their instructions" despite not wanting to take it down.

Slam Dunk also reaffirmed their commitment to providing a "safe, respectful, and inclusive environment" for all staff, partners, and attendees. The festival is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary across two dates at Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire and Temple Newsam in Leeds, with a bill featuring Good Charlotte, Sublime, Knocked Loose, Taking Back Sunday, Dashboard Confessional, Boston Manor, State Champs, Cancer Bats, Motion City Soundtrack, Hawthorne Heights, Driveways, and Tonight Alive.