Update:
Bittenbender has issued a statement via his Instagram Story. We captured a screenshot and have included the full text below:
“Recently, false and deeply hurtful statements have been made about me online. I want to address this directly and clearly.
The allegations being spread about me are completely untrue. I did not commit the act I am being accused of, and I have never been charged with or investigated for such a crime.
Unfortunately, these claims have resurfaced multiple times over the years and have caused unnecessary harm to my personal and professional life. I have remained silent out of respect for privacy and because I believed the truth would speak for itself. However, the continued spread of these falsehoods has left me no choice but to speak publicly.
I have 2 sisters and a girlfriend who I love dearly and being accused of harming a woman is something I am completely incapable of and those who know me and my character know that I would never do such a thing.
I take matters like this very seriously and have always conducted myself with integrity and respect toward others. Those who know me personally and professionally know the truth about my character.
I am taking appropriate legal and professional steps to address this defamation and harassment. I will not engage further on social media about this matter.
I feel as though making false allegations of something as serious as this is taking away from what real victims have experienced and gone through and my heart goes out to them.
Thank you to those who have reached out with support or concern. I appreciate your understanding as I handle this situation through the proper channels.”
South African deathcore outfit Vulvodynia have recently announced a major lineup shift as Zion Bittenbender joins as the band’s new vocalist, while former frontman Lwandile Prusent transitions to guitars. The revamped six-piece, rounded out by Luke Haarhoff (guitars), Kris Xenopoulos (guitars), Thomas Hughes (drums), and Nate Gilbert (bass), marks a new era for the band as they prepare to release new music in 2026. The group is currently on tour in Asia and will join All Shall Perish, Peeling Flesh, Acranius, and Necrotted on the Europe Slamageddon Tour later this month. Tickets are available at this location.
Luke Haarhoff comments:
“We’re very excited to announce Zion Bittenbender as our new vocalist. We’ve been working with him behind the scenes for a while now, and the new material is sounding like the best music we’ve created to date. We can’t wait for all of you to hear the new era of Vulvodynia.”
Nearly immediately following the announcement, our friends at Lambgoat shared some troubling news about the brand new vocalist being accused of sexual misconduct.According to Lambgoat, an accuser has come forward with allegations against Bittenbender via an Instagram post, which included text evidence detailing serious claims, including assaulting a partner while they were asleep.
Following Lambgoat’s report, the band issued the below statement:
“Official Statement from Vulvodynia
We’re aware of the serious allegations that have recently surfaced online involving one of our members.
We know how distressing and emotional this kind of news can be, and we understand that many people in our community are reacting strongly to it. We want to make it clear that we are taking this matter very seriously.
Out of respect for everyone involved, and to ensure that the situation is handled fairly and responsibly, we will be allowing the appropriate legal and professional channels to take their course before making any further comment.”
As of now, Bittenbender remains a member of the band during the ongoing legal proceedings, and upcoming shows are expected to continue as planned. However, this is a developing situation and subject to change.
Tour Dates
Vulvodynia tour dates
11/05 Bangkok, Thailand @ Mr. FOX Live House
11/07 Guangzhou, China @ CHIZHAO Livehouse
11/08 Shenzhen, China @ BO Live
11/12 Kunming, China @ Kong Ge Live
11/14 Shanghai, China @ The Box
11/15 Hangzhou, China @ Hangzhou Midi Live
All Shall Perish “Europe Slamageddon Tour 2025” w/ Vulvodynia, Peeling Flesh, Acranius (11/21–11/30), Necrotted (12/02–12/13)
11/21 Berlin, Germany @ Hole 44
11/22 Bochum, Germany @ Matrix
11/23 Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013
11/24 Paris, France @ Glaz’art
11/25 London, UK @ O2 Islington Academy
11/26 Glasgow, UK @ Slay
11/28 Leeds, UK @ Stylus
11/29 Birmingham, UK @ Asylum
11/30 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium @ De Casino
12/02 Munich, Germany @ Backstage Halle
12/03 Milan, Italy @ Legend Club
12/04 Frankfurt, Germany @ Das Bett
12/05 Vienna, Austria @ Arena
12/06 Leipzig, Germany @ Felsenkeller
12/07 Prague, Czech Republic @ Rock Café
12/08 Warsaw, Poland @ Proxima
12/10 Hamburg, Germany @ Knust
12/11 Hannover, Germany @ Musik Zentrum
12/12 Aarau, Switzerland @ KIFF
12/13 Stuttgart, Germany @ Im Wizemann
Feature Image Photo Credit: @iamsethedwards
