The Thai metalcore ensemble Annalynn has halted all operations following the confession of their vocalist, Nathaphon "Bon" Jutathaveewan, who admitted to fabricating a cancer diagnosis to repay his debts. In July, the shocking news emerged that Jutathaveewan had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, prompting a surge of monetary donations, a flurry of concert bookings, and the sale of fundraising merchandise. Both the band and their record label earnestly solicited contributions from fans to assist with the singer's medical expenses, emphasizing his humble origins from a "third-world country." The initial GoFundMe campaign can be accessed here.
Now, Jutathaveewan has come clean, acknowledging in a heartfelt statement that he concocted the illness solely for financial gain to address his personal debts and loans. He emphasized that no one else, including his bandmates and label, was privy to this deceit. In response, the members of Annalynn collectively issued a statement clarifying their perspective on the matter.
Jutathaveewan's statement, relayed via Lambgoat, reads: "I offer my heartfelt apologies to everyone for the turn of events, particularly for the deception surrounding my health and the false statements made. I profoundly regret my actions and take full responsibility for my mistakes. I am genuinely sorry for the hurt and distress I have caused.
My predicaments stemmed from severe financial woes, including obligations from illicit loans and poor business decisions that I failed to manage over the years. The situation spun out of control, leaving me with no visible escape route and under immense financial and personal pressure, which culminated in my grave errors.
Regrettably, I have betrayed the trust and kindness bestowed upon me by so many. My reckless decisions have not only ruined my life but also the lives of those around me, and I deeply lament this.
I must clarify that no one else—whether it be the music label, my friends, family, or bandmates—was entangled in this mess. I am now confronting the repercussions of my decisions and have gained invaluable insights from this experience. I am committed to rectifying the situation and resolving it as swiftly as possible. I understand that my words cannot erase the harm done, but I humbly seek your forgiveness. I am truly sorry for the agony and inconvenience my actions have brought, and I am deeply sorrowful for breaking your trust."
Annalynn's corresponding statement on Instagram explains that the remaining band members requested official proof of Jutathaveewan's diagnosis when "doubts about Bon's illness first emerged," prompting a band meeting. The statement further conveys, "Effective immediately, Annalynn will cease all activities, including performances, merchandise sales, and any utilization of the band's name in any form," and continues, "As the remaining members of Annalynn, we deeply mourn the pain and distress caused by Bon's actions."
The final sign-off hints at the band's potential dissolution. "The four of us are profoundly saddened and disappointed by Bon's actions," it reads. "We sincerely thank everyone who has supported Annalynn over the years."
