Trigger warning: mentions of sexual misconduct allegations

FILIPINO indie band Ang Bandang Shirley surprised its fans with its disbandment announcement on Wednesday, February 19.

This, after grooming allegations against the band’s vocalist and founding member Emmanuel “Ean” Aguila resurfaced last month on social media.

“This January, past allegations towards Ean resurfaces with new information, which has significantly affected the band and the members,” the band wrote.

“Let it be known that we strongly do not condone his behavior, and we urged him to take full responsibility for his actions,” it added.

The band’s statement was made by members Debb Acebu, Paolo Arciga, Miggy Abesamis, and Kathy Gener.

While Aguila parted ways with the group, the members said they decided not to continue as a band.

“This is the end for Ang Bandang Shirley. We all thank you for all your support and for listening to our music throughout the years,” it said.

Controversy

A series of screenshots from a netizen who was a fan of Ang Bandang Shirley circulated online in January, sharing her experience with Aguila.

In one of her posts, the fan shared the story about sexual assault allegations by eight women against English author Neil Gaiman, stressing how artists can be the opposite of the image they show in public. 

“Yes, your idol can be the worst person you will ever meet. Yes, your idol can ruin your life without you realizing it immediately; and that’s on power dynamics!” the fan wrote.

She then revealed her previous conversations with Aguila, whom she had a romantic relationship with when she was 17. At the time, the vocalist was already 30. She said it was only in 2023 that she realized she was already a victim of grooming.

Aguila addressed the controversy on his Facebook account, saying he takes full responsibility for the pain he had caused and his actions that left “a lasting impact” on his fan.  

He also clarified that the other members of Ang Bandang Shirley were not involved in his actions.

It was in 2017 when a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) accused certain local artists, including Ang Bandang Shirley, of sexual misconduct.

In November of that year, Aguila and other members Owel Alvero and Joe Fontanilla denied allegations of sexual misconduct thrown against them.

Discography

Ang Bandang Shirley was formed in 2003, with its name deriving from OPM band Eraserheads’s b-side song “Shirley.”

Among the band’s popular songs are “Nakauwi Na,” “Umaapaw,” “Tama Na Ang Drama,” and “Di Na Babalik,” which all raked in hundreds of thousands of streams on the music streaming platform Spotify.

Prior to its disbandment, Ang Bandang Shirley released a deluxe version of its 2013 “Tama Na Ang Drama” album in 2023, featuring 20 tracks.