5 Seconds of Summer‘s lead guitarist Michael Clifford has denied multiple allegations he ‘inappropriately touched’ underaged fans while on tour.
On June 13, a Twitter user alleged that Michael had followed her into the bathroom and began touching her ‘chest, arms and sides’ while 5SOS were performing at Tinley Park, Illinois in 2013.
The user, who claims she was 14 at the time, wrote: ‘Michael Clifford… slid into the audience – probably most would assume to enjoy the concert- and violated my safety and privacy.’
The user has since retracted these claims.
‘BEYOND untrue’: 5 Seconds of Summer guitarist Michael Clifford, 24, (pictured) has denied allegations he ‘inappropriately touched’ underaged fans while on tour
At the time, 5SOS were playing around North America with One Direction as part of the British band’s Take Me Home tour.
Also on June 13, another Twitter alleged that ‘MC’ had reached up her mini skirt and ‘kept saying disgusting things into her ear’ at a 5SOS show.
The user claims she was 14 years old when the alleged incident occurred.
Allegations: On June 13, a Twitter user alleged that Michael had followed her into the bathroom and began touching her ‘chest, arms and sides’ while 5SOS were performing at Tinley Park, Illinois in 2013
Another allegation: Also on June 13, another Twitter alleged that ‘MC’ had reached up her mini skirt and ‘kept saying disgusting things into her ear’ at a 5SOS show. The user claims she was 14 at the time
Michael has categorically denied these allegations, saying they are ‘beyond untrue’.
‘I am heartbroken to read these things that are being said – they are just BEYOND untrue,’ he Tweeted on June 15.
‘I was never allowed in the crowd I only ever watched at front of house – and I would’ve never EVER done that. I would NEVER do anything like that,’ he added.
‘I am heartbroken’: Michael has categorically denied these allegations, saying they are ‘beyond untrue’
‘It would’ve been logistically impossible for me to get through a crowd’: In another Tweet, Michael commented on a video of the 5SOS band-members surrounded by fans in the audience
In another Tweet, Michael commented on a video of the 5SOS band members surrounded by fans in the audience.
‘This is what life was like in 2013. Please understand it would’ve been logistically impossible for me to get through a crowd at a show I just played at! I’m not trying to be defensive I promise this is just so completely false,’ he Tweeted.
Tweeting to another user, Michael said of the allegations: ‘I really just don’t know what I can even say. People are asking me to explain but how can I explain something that I was never involved with in the first place?’
Denial: Tweeting to another user, Michael said of the allegations: ‘I really just don’t know what I can even say’
Setting the record straight: Michael (pictured) Tweeted: ‘People are asking me to explain but how can I explain something that I was never involved with in the first place?’
‘The band were never allowed into the crowd’: Adam Wilkinson, who managed 5SOS around the time of the alleged incidents, jumped to Michael’s defence
‘I truly want to give you what you’re asking from me but what more can i say?’ he added.
Adam Wilkinson, who managed 5SOS around the time of the alleged incidents, jumped to Michael’s defence, Tweeting: ‘I can confirm at all times that the band were never allowed into the crowd and were always escorted to front of house by security and/or management including myself.’
The girl who alleged Michael touched her ‘chest, arms and sides’ in the bathroom during 5SOS’ 2013 show in Illinois has since retracted her claims.
Retraction: On July 16, she Tweeted that the man who touched her was not Michael Clifford, and that the actual offender is ‘dead’
On July 16, she Tweeted that the man who touched her was not Michael Clifford, and that the actual offender is ‘dead’.
‘Today, I found out I’ve been wrong for almost seven years. Today I found out that my offender is dead. My offender is NOT MICHAEL CLIFFORD,’ she wrote.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Michael Clifford for comment.
Engaged: Michael announced his engagement to his American model girlfriend Crystal Leigh, 30, in January. Pictured: Michael and Crystal
Meanwhile, Michael announced his engagement to his American model girlfriend Crystal Leigh, 34, in January.
The Australian musician proposed with a diamond ring at sunset while the couple were on holiday in Bali, Indonesia.
Michael shared several photos of the moment he dropped down on one knee, writing in the caption: ‘I was lucky enough to ask the love of my life to marry me.’
Romantic: The Australian musician proposed with a diamond ring at sunset while the couple were on holiday in Bali, Indonesia
‘In the last three years, she has helped evolve and shape who I am in ways I could never have imagined. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to spend the rest of my life with. I love loving you, Crystal.’
The lovebirds first started dating in 2016 and have been together for three years.
Michael confirmed his relationship with Crystal via an Instagram post on New Year’s Eve back in 2016.
Lovebirds: Michael and Crystal (pictured) first started dating in 2016 and have been together for three years
Sharing a video of the couple kissing in front of a fireworks display, the boy band member gushed to fans: ‘I know I’m late, but happy new year everyone. Especially to my love @crystalleigh for making 2016 infinitely better than I thought it would be.’
‘Here’s to much greener pastures in 2017, and much less awkward hand motions. (you know I’m bad at this),’ he added.
Prior to his declaration of love, Michael and Crystal had been spotted together in several social media snaps.
Michael previously dated American actress Abigail Breslin.
Australian stars: The members of 5 Seconds of Summer are (from L-R) Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings, Ashton Irwin and Calum Hood