Sean Ryder Denies Recent Accusations
Sean Ryder has refuted allegations of violence made against him by his former bandmate Ruketta during a recent performance of Happy Mondays.
Band’s Split and Ruketta’s Claims
In December, the group announced their split after 34 years with a vocalist and percussionist. Ruketta, who joined the band in 1990, featured on the single from the group STEP ON, which peaked at number five on the charts. She also contributed to their third and fourth studio albums, “Tablets” and “Cooling and Stomachs,” and joined the band for three world tours.
During her exit from the group, there was a friendly sentiment; the band released a statement thanking Ruketta for her contributions and wishing her well in the future.
However, Ruketta has now accused Ryder of assaulting her during a 2000 show in Dublin. On February 26, she shared a screenshot on Twitter/X from an NME report detailing the alleged altercation between them at the festival.
Witness Festival 2000
I’m not a liar.
I also have correspondence that describes everything between me and the management of the group during the tour, where I was in a 16-seater bus with mostly men, whom I barely knew.
Nitsy and her boyfriend, without and his dog and Sean + 1 were in beautiful hotels. pic.twitter.com/vitl7luzou– rowetta🎙 (@rowetta) February 26, 2025
“When I talk about Happy Mondays, it will always be true. I’m not a liar,” she wrote earlier. “Sean Ryder hit me, knocked me out, and there were many witnesses, including my son who saw me with a black eye! Don’t call me a liar or threaten slander! I had to call the police!”
Ryder has denied the claims, with reports stating his representatives expressed shock at Ruketta’s statements. “This matter is now in the hands of Sean’s lawyers,” they told the newspaper. “He is shocked by Ruketta’s reports, but there will be no further comment at this time.”
Following Ryder’s denial, Ruketta took to Instagram, stating: “My children are now in their 40s and can’t believe he denies this. They took photos, and there were many witnesses on the ferry.
