Eagles of Death Metal Singer Apologizes For Paris Security Jibe

The frontman for California rock band Eagles of Death Metal has apologized for suggesting that security guards at the Paris concert venue attacked by Islamic militants in November knew of the deadly assault ahead of time.

Singer Jesse Hughes had said on Fox News last week that “it seems rather obvious” why six guards didn’t come to work at the Bataclan concert hall on the night of the attack. “They had a reason not to show up,” Hughes said.

He backtracked his statements in an apology issued on Facebook, saying he hasn’t been the same since the attacks took place while the rock band was mid-performance. “I’ve been dealing with non-stop nightmares and struggling through therapy to make sense of this tragedy and insanity,” Hughes wrote. “I haven’t been myself since November 13. I realize there’s no excuse for my words, but for what it’s worth: I am sincerely sorry for having hurt, disrespected or accused anyone.”

Eagles of Death Metal survived the concert massacre, which left 89 people dead, by hiding in a dressing room backstage.