Phil Anselmo Apologizes Again for "White Power" Remarks, Offers to Leave Band

Screengrab via first apology video

This past week has shown many sides of Phil Anselmo people might not have been expecting. It started with the video that set everything off, with Phil at Dimebash 2016 giving a Nazi salute to the crowd at the end of the night, yelling "white power!" At first, he didn't show any remorse for his actions, posting a lengthy defense of his comments as a YouTube comment on said video. Over the weekend, he came around by posting a video apology on YouTube.

His apology tour didn't end there, either, as we now see today. Following the news that Down's appearance at Dutch metal festival Fortarock had been cancelled by the organizers, Anselmo apologized once again. In a new post at the official Phil Anselmo website, he wrote out a long statement to fans, detailing his wrongs, mentioning his own ongoing issues with alcohol, and going so far as to offer to leave his current bands, Down and Superjoint, as penance for his acts. You can read the full post below:

"To all this will concern,

Every citizen in this entire world has the unalienable right to live with dignity and respect without hate or oppression. And I mean this, with all of my crushed, yet, guilty heart.

It’s common knowledge that we can choose to either learn from our mistakes, or continue on a path of insensitivity and destruction.

I am utterly responsible for the mistakes I have made, and can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words.

My band mates are now experiencing the consequences of my behavior, and I now publicly apologize to them as well. Never in my entire lifetime would I drag them down with me, and I’ve privately suggested to them that they move on without me.

My biggest obstacle(s) are the over-indulging in the booze and blurting out spiteful, ignorant reductions of the human spirit itself. I will address these issues, head-on.

I’m repulsed by my own actions, and the self-loathing I’m going through right now is justified by the hurt I’ve caused.

I realize we live in a society where apologies are NOT accepted easily, yet long for a day when they can be, but I also understand if I’m shunned till I hit the dirt.

From the bottom of my heart, and with all sincerity, I once again am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.

With truth, love, hope & respect-
Philip H. Anselmo"

UPDATE: Down's previously scheduled Lundi Gras show, originally set to take place on February 8 at New Orleans' Civic Theatre, has been cancelled as a direct result of Anselmo's actions at Dimebash. The event promoters, Bowery Presents South, explained their decision in a press release Noisey received today (the full text can also be read on the Bowery South website).

"After recent actions by Phil Anselmo during the Dimebash event this past week, we have cancelled Down’s performance at the Civic. We do not tolerate intolerant behavior, and there is no room for that in our venue or our city. Refunds are available at point of purchase. In addition to offering full refunds for all ticket purchases, the Civic has made a donation to the Jewish Federation of New Orleans, pledging our support for a united community.

“Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all.”
― Bob Marley"