Phil Anselmo (Down, ex-Pantera) earlier issued a public apology to his Down bandmates, following this week’s announcement that the band had been pulled from the lineup for the upcoming FortaRock festival (June 4th - 5th in Nijmegen, Netherlands).

Anselmo’s Down bandmate Pepper Keenan has now issued the following:

“Any one who knows me is aware that I am not one to dabble much in social media, however due to what transpired last week at Dimebash I feel the need to respond and reach out to friends, family, music peers and fans worldwide.

“I am saddened and confused by the behavior of Philip Anselmo last week. I do not condone what was gestured and said. This lapse in judgment of “making a joke” was in terribly poor taste and unacceptable.

“That philosophy is the opposite of what I am about. My heart follows love and soul and my music has been inspired from people of all walks of life and musical styles. I view music as a gift that is universal and intended for all of humanity. As a proud New Orleanian, life is about celebrating diversity through music, it’s about bringing people together, not tearing apart.

“I won’t speak for Phil but I’ve known him most of my life and I know there is not hate in his heart, however I hope at this moment in time Phil will focus his energy on self-reflection and begin the process of regaining perspective, healing himself and those lives he has touched through music.

“Through Down, Philip and I have written many beautiful and powerful songs in the past that have touched and inspired people from all walks of life positively and have helped pull many out of their own darkest hours. This is not something I take for granted and should always be at the forefront of one’s conscience to keep you grounded, humbled and grateful.

“One of the responsibilities and joys, in my opinion, of being an artist or musician is having the ability to help make the world a better place.

“I accept Phil’s apology, and I believe he can.

“I’ll be there…if needed.

“Love and Respect, Pepper Keenan”

Anselmo’s apology follows:

“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 behaviour, 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”

Meanwhile, Down’s February 8th show at the Civic Theatre in New Orleans, LA has been canceled. Organizers have issued the following:

“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 behaviour, 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.”

On January 22nd at Dimebash 2016, which took place at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, Anselmo took the stage at one point during the show. At the end of the performance of “Walk”, Anselmo ended the night with a Nazi salute, then screamed “white power” to the crowd.

Anselmo released a video apology saying he is a “thousand percent apologetic to anyone that took offence to what I said”, and asks for people to just, “give him another chance.”

Anselmo initially stated about the video:  "Ok folks, I'll own this one, but dammit, I was joking, and the 'inside joke of the night' was because we were drinking fucking white wine, hahaha... Of all fucking things. Some of y'all need to thicken up your skin. There's plenty of fuckers to pick on with a more realistic agenda. I fucking love everyone, I fucking loathe everyone, and that's that. No apologies from me.”