Michael Franti denies Victoria Canal sexual abuse allegations

Michael Franti is sharing his side of the story after Spanish-American singer Victoria Canal accused someone in the music industry of sexual abuse.

Last week, Canal, 27, released a statement on Instagram claiming that an unnamed “very powerful” man abused and groomed her eight years ago at the start of her career.

Following Canal’s post, Soulshine At Sea, a four-day concert cruise that was set to take place in November and be headlined by Franti, 59, was canceled. Dispatch, Maggie Rose, Hirie, and Liz Vice all also announced they were no longer performing on the cruise.

In addition, Tank And The Bangas announced they were dropping out of their upcoming tour with Michael Franti & Spearhead. Canal commented a heart emoji and a praying emoji on the post.

On Sunday, Franti released his own lengthy statement in response to Canal’s claims. The musician, who has been married to his wife Sara since 2015, admitted that he had an affair but disputed abuse claims.

“7 years ago I had a romantic relationship outside my marriage,” Franti wrote. “It was with an artist who was touring with me. I broke my wedding vows, I broke my wife’s trust, I broke her heart, and for that I am deeply sorry for the pain my actions have caused her.” 

Franti explained that he and Canal developed “strong emotions for one another” during the tour and he eventually “made the most regrettable mistake of allowing the relationship to become romantic.”

“My wife found out about it and to save my marriage, we ended the relationship,” he shared. “The artist stayed on tour with us and we maintained a professional relationship. After the tour ended, she continued to perform at several shows.”

“During the last 7 years my wife and I have done an incredible amount of work for me to repair the damage that I did,” Franti continued.

The singer then stated: “I’m aware of the recent posts this artist made about our relationship, and while I support her need to express herself publicly, the relationship was completely consensual, based on mutual feelings and attraction.”

Franti said that he “vehemently disputes” Canal’s claims but promised to “take full accountability for not better recognizing the power imbalance as she was younger than me, and I was the headliner on tour.”

“For those reasons alone, I never should have allowed the relationship to become romantic,” he added.

Later in his statement, Franti said, “I have and continue to apologize to my wife Sara and my family for the pain that I have caused you. I am also apologizing to the artist for the pain that you are going through.”

Canal responded to Franti’s statement on her Instagram Stories Monday, writing that it was “definitely challenging to read given the truth of my experience.”

“But it’s not capacity to go to war on this,” she continued. “I am used to gaslighting from this person. People are gonna believe what they believe — I’m the one that has to live with effects of what really happened in my body, and I am the one responsible for my own healing.”

“I had no agenda for sharing my story – I simply want to let go, and to let young women entering the world of music know to keep their eyes open and protect themselves,” Canal added.

The Post has reached out to Franti and Canal’s reps for comment.

In her original Aug. 11 post, Canal —  who was born without the lower half of her right arm — told her followers that she was “choosing my own freedom” by coming forward with her alleged story.

She wouldn’t mention her alleged abuser by name out of fear of retaliation, but the pop star described him as someone who appears to be a “loving, charismatic and principled” family man with a “very active career.”

“However, behind closed doors, this person has a history of incredibly damaging behavior across the board, and has a team of enablers around him who have fiercely protected his image, perpetuating this behavior for decades,” the “Cake” singer wrote.

Canal accused the alleged perpetrator of touching and take pictures of her without her consent. She also said she was subjected to the alleged sexual abuse and grooming for “a little over a year.”

The “Favor” singer added that therapy, psychedelic treatment, talking with other men and women, and making art have helped her recover from the alleged abuse she experienced.