Kind of Like Spitting have announced their breakup in the wake of grooming and sexual manipulation allegations against frontman Ben Barnett. Earlier this week, Febuary guitarist and vocalist Rila Ogawa shared her experiences on Instagram Stories, including screenshots of text messages in which Barnett made explicit advances, explained what a cam girl is while implying she could be one, and recounted their time at his home studio, which reportedly included fits of rage from Barnett and the band leaving prematurely with little recorded material.

Following these allegations, Best Friends Forever Fest, where both Febuary and Kind of Like Spitting were scheduled to perform, announced that Kind of Like Spitting had been removed from the lineup. Barnett then shared the band’s breakup on his Instagram in a “sorry not sorry” kind of way and proclaimed he will no longer be making art as a form of restitution. He has since deleted his account @ben_b._barnett.

His words:

"With the accusations against me in mind. I want to do what's right. Always have. I do not in this moment have a "rebuttal" at hand. But I can tell you what accountability looks like for me in this moment. Kind of Like Spitting 1995-2025. All shows are cancelled and the new record is the last record. Probably that I will ever make. There has been overwhelming hatred toward me and it seems like what needs to be done to own my life and my experience as well as honor my accuser, is to work toward whatever restorative justice looks like. Out of sync and context I see what you see. No excuses. Shits a horrible look. I will speak my truth and show my receipts as well, but not now. Now I want to apologize to Rila right or wrong and be accountable for my mistakes. I hope knowing I will no longer be making or performing art brings some peace to the people who feel let down."