Avi Buffalo accused of rape by ex-bandmate Rebecca Coleman
Kevin Bronson on
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Rebecca Coleman, the original keyboardist in Long Beach indie-rock band Avi Buffalo, has accused frontman Avi Zahner-Isenberg of rape.
In a post Monday on the Instagram account of her current project Pageants, Coleman described in detail the “toxic relationship” that led to her departure from the band in 2010. Included is an incident at a supposed photo shoot after which, she says, Zahner-Isenberg told her “I know, I raped you and stuff, I’m sorry.” Another incident took place while the band was on tour.
Coleman further details a tumultuous relationship that began when both parties were teenagers. Zahner-Isenberg was just 17 in 2009 when Avi Buffalo signed to Sub Pop, which released two of the band’s albums, in 2010 and ’14 before the band broke up the following year. Coleman says the pair began dating in 2008. Coleman acknowledges that upon leaving the band that she “signed a contract not to talk negatively about Avi/Avi Buffalo, etc.,” adding, “I do not know if this contract still stands up, but honestly I do not give a fuck. Time’s Up.”
An email asking Zahner-Isenberg for comment has not yet been answered.
So horrible and unfortunate. Immediately stopped listening to Avi Buffalo songs after I read her posts. The music was really good but knowing now what happened, I don’t think I can listen without feeling odd and unsettled. I hope she’s healing and I can’t wait to hear more from the pageants.