Humbled by fan support, Blythe says he was treated fairly during his incarceration and will return to Prague to stand trial if it is deemed necessary.
- Aug 7, 2012
AceShowbiz - Randy Blythe issues a statement a few days after he was released from a Czech prison on bail. The Lamb of God frontman has three points in his open letter, first to thank his fans for their supports, second to emphasize that he received no special treatment in jail despite his celebrity status, and third to say that he "will act with honor."
"I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight - I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers," he says.
"I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrac. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else- make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates," he proceeds to his second point.
Lastly, he states, "If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100|percent|, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child."
"They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain."
"I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtedly need to facilitate healing," he continues before concluding, "I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter."
Blythe is accused of manslaughter stemming from the death of Daniel in 2010. It was alleged that the rocker pushed the fan off the stage at a Lamb of God concert at Prague's Club Abaton. He was in coma and died 14 days later due to a serious head injury.
