It takes a special sort of scumbag to take out his frustration on women – just ask Chris Brown – and unfortunately, unless its committed in an enormous spectacle like ex-QOTSA bassist Nick Oliveri; sometimes that despicable behaviour goes under wraps for musicians. It’s a case of the latter in the latest news from Pitchfork, who have uncovered that last March – the frontman for new-wave alt-rockers Surfer Blood was arrested for domestic battery.
John Paul Pitts, 28, the singer and guitarist for Surfer Plood was arrested in his Florida neighbourhood on March 31 2012 for domestic battery of his then-girlfriend of twelve months, and according to to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, where an offense report was filed, Pitts pleaded not guilty on May 4, before being granted a ‘plea and pass’ agreement on July 13.
Basically the ‘plea and pass’ agreement means that if Pitts complies with the court mandate and suggested program, his charges and guilty plea will be dismissed come April 2013.
It seems that details of Pitts’ assault have been kept under wraps until now by management and snoopers, with news from the Surfer Blood being fairly quiet since they tweeted in May they were working on the follow-up to their 2010 debut, Astro Coast.
Pitchfork has also obtained the incident report from March involving Pitts and the victim, his girlfriend, publishing it in full. It details the attack, which saw Pitts’ girlfriend had “abrasions and bruises” on her arms as well as bruising above her right eye.
The report details: “The victim stated on today’s date, Pitts and herself returned from an evening out. An argument pursued because she called a friend, stating she might need a place to stay. Pitts went into the bathroom and stated he was going to harm himself. When she knocked on the door, Pitts came out, they went into the bedroom, and the arguing continued.”
The report continues: “The victim stated Pitts grabbed her and flipped her over her shoulder, he then pinned her down by climbing on top of her. The defendant then proceeded to shove his fingers inside of her mouth. In return, she attempted to bite him and he pushed his fingers away. He continued to press his weight against her so she bit him on his chest. The victim stated this has occurred before. She told Pitts on numerous occasions she was going to call the police, but he just laughed. Advised she is not trying to ruin his life.”
The report adds that though Pitts had “a bite mark… on the middle portion of his chest”, both he and his girlfriend “stated they did not need medical attention.” Finishing by stating that “Pitts advised he did not harm his girlfriend. She always threatens to call the police on him.”
Neither (the) Pitts nor Surfer Blood’s management have commented on the incident yet.
