SATURDAY Night Live viewers slammed the show last night for giving Arcade Fire a platform three years after frontman Win Butler faced sexual misconduct allegations.
The Canadian indie band performed two tracks from their forthcoming sixth album, Pink Elephant, in what was their second appearance on the show this series.
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The record is their first album in three years and the first since Butler, 45, was hit with misconduct claims from three women and a gender fluid person.
The allegations included the sending of unsolicited explicit messages, coercive control, emotional abuse and physical assault.
Butler, who is married to bandmate Regine Chassagne, responded to the allegations in 2022, admitting to having had relations with all of the claimants, however, he insisted each was consensual.
In a statement given to Pitchfork, he said, “While these relationships were all consensual, I am very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behavior.
“As I look to the future, I am continuing to learn from my mistakes and working hard to become a better person, someone my son can be proud of. […]
“I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware and tuned in to the effect I have on people – I f**ked up, and while not an excuse, I will continue to look forward and heal what can be healed, and learn from past experiences.”
His band’s avant-garde sound has always been an acquired taste, though they have conquered the mainstream, headlining festivals such as Glastonbury and scoring three number one albums in the US.
However, musically, last night’s performance left many viewers cold.
While others weren’t comfortable with the band getting such a prominent television gig after the troubling claims.
One person wrote on X, “If different people accusing you of sexual misconduct is not enough to prevent you being on this show twice in one season, how many people is?”
Another said, “Arcade Fire landing on SNL in the big 2025 is wild. Who the hell did Win Butler pay?”
A third posted, “Arcade Fire on SNL. One of the worst songs I’ve ever heard.”
A fourth fumed, “Arcade Fire’s snl performance giving me second hand embarrassment for ever loving them, and also f**k win butler.”
Last night’s show was hosted by The White Lotus actor Walton Goggins.
The 53-year-old star has become a breakout sex symbol this year and addressed the attention in his opening monologue.
He also poked fun at cruel comments that have been made about his receding hairline, joking that it was “holding its ground”.
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