Earlier this week, Tone Deaf reported that an anonymous fan has come forward accusing Tool and A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan of sexually assaulting them at age 17.

Sharing the story via Twitter, under the name ” “@IWas17HeWas36? the woman shared her experience at an A Perfect Circle/ Nine Inch Nails show in 2000, in which she was taken backstage into a private room without her boyfriend, where Maynard performed non-consensual sexual intercourse.

She has said that 18 years on, she is still, “working through the trauma of that assault.”

Now, Keenan has taken to Twitter to respond to the claims, calling them “despicable”, saying that claims like this do “damage” to the #MeToo movement.

“Many thanks to those of you who saw right through this despicable false claim that only does damage to the #metoo movement. And shame on those of you who perpetuate this destructive clickbait. As for my delayed but un-required response, I had my phone off. You should try it,” said Keenan in a post.

Many thanks to those of you who saw right through this despicable false claim that only does damage to the #metoo movement. And shame on those of you who perpetuate this destructive clickbait. As for my delayed but un-required response, I had my phone off. You should try it.

— Maynard J Keenan (@mjkeenan) June 28, 2018

Tool are currently working on the highly anticipated follow up to 2006’s 10, 000 Days, in which they’ve been sharing studio updates and hints with fans as to when they can expect new material.

Earlier this month, Keenan confirmed that new music would finally arrive in 2019 whilst accepting his Icon award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods.

“I wouldn’t be here without you guys, so thank you very much for all that,” he stated during his acceptance speech. “A lot of work’s being done, a lot of work’s been done. I’ll go on record now saying you’re gonna see some new music next year.”

The article was originally published on Tone Deaf