A music festival has defended its decision to book ex-Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan after he was convicted of domestic abuse, despite backlash it would send "completely the wrong message".
Singer Meighan, who in 2020 admitted to assaulting then-fiancée Vikki Ager after throwing her across a room, hitting her over the head and threatening to hit her with a wooden pallet, was announced as one of the acts for Sheffield event, Be Reyt.
The former frontman was charged after a panicked child called 999, and was handed 200 hours of unpaid work and a small fine by magistrates, while he issued a public apology.
He stepped down as Kasabian frontman the day before his court date, citing "personal issues" as the reason.
But the announcement to book the 'Underdog' hitmaker for the festival on May 6 was met with backlash, forcing event organisers to defend the decision saying they did not believe he should be "cast out from the music community after working hard to better himself".
Meighan has previously spoken out about alcohol addiction issues, later claiming the assault had been a "wake up call" to address his problems.
The event also claimed the booking showed solidarity with those who have been open about mental health issues, but reiterated that any kind of abuse was "in no way acceptable".
Hundreds however have threatened to boycott the event, while domestic abuse campaigners slammed the decision as "totally inappropriate", saying Meighan's booking sent entirely the wrong message to perpetrators and victims of abuse.
Carmel Offord, a campaigner for Yorkshire-based charity Independent Domestic Abuse Services, said allowing Meighan to perform so soon showed how "normalised" violence against women and girls had become.
The charity said high profile offenders were "repeatedly afforded second chances", with "very little consideration" to victims and their families.
"There are many incredible performers out there that could have headlined the festival instead," said IDAS.
"In choosing to headline a convicted abuser, the festival risks sending a message to music lovers that abuse is ‘not that bad’, that it is somehow excusable.
"Furthermore, for the many people in abusive relationships, this decision could reinforce their abuser’s behaviour and prevent survivors from getting help."
A spokesman for Be Reyt, an indie rock festival, said it was aware of a campaign calling for its event to be boycotted.
The spokesman said: "Tom Meighan has suffered in the past with publicised mental health issues and admitted to allegations of abuse towards his partner, which contributed to him stepping down from his role as the singer and frontman of Kasabian.
"In no way do our companies believe domestic abuse or abuse of any type is acceptable. Nobody should have to suffer any type of abuse.
"However, we do believe that people deserve a second chance.
"Tom has been to rehab and is now married to Vikki Ager. He's been confirmed for several festivals up and down the country including Sheffield, supporting acts such as Noel Gallagher and Razorlight, whilst also headlining his own shows at O2 Academies.
"We do not accept that Tom should be cast out from the music community after working hard to better himself."
They added: "We only ask for the same understanding that is given to the numerous venues across the country that allow him to perform either as a support act or a headline act.
"We will continue to support a diverse range of acts and styles as we have always done and we look forward to welcoming you to our venue for this event and many more events to come."
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk or, for male victims of abuse, contact the ManKind Initiative on 01823 334244.
