Music
Hardcore singer accused of faking cervical cancer for money
by Jesse Locke
September 10, 2015
A Michigan organization says she accepted thousands of dollars.
Hali Etie, the former vocalist of Erie, Pennsylvania hardcore band Counterfeit, has been accused of faking a cancer diagnosis to accept money from fans. There are obvious jokes to be made about the irony of their band name, but we’ll spare you here.
A story from Lambgoat reported that the Michigan chapter of non-profit organization Hardcore Cares (HCC) organized a “Throwdown in Motown” benefit show for Etie, who claimed to be suffering from Stage 3 cervical cancer. From July until September, the organization helped solicit donations and sell customized t-shirts to raise funds. The exact number is unclear at this point, but thousands of dollars have allegedly been given to Etie. Details are also scarce on the revelation of her fraudulence, but HCC shared the following info in a statement:
“About a week prior to the benefit show we started to see cracks in the story. Things just were not adding up. But she still had the support of key people close to her, so based on that and her presence in HCC we motored on. It was after seeing a post on Sunday, September 6 that all the facts came together and her story crumbled. All the gut instincts and cracks were true. We at Hardcore Cares were devastated. Here is a woman we had great respect for on a musical and personal level that had used us like so many others throughout this escapade.”
Etie has yet to issue a response, but HCC have explained they will not be pressing charges, choosing instead to focus on other causes. Their statement continues to clarify that the other members of Counterfeit had nothing to do with the incident. They have since broken up the band and reformed as a new group called No Control. In a world where irony reigns, etc.
“We will not spend anymore time, energy, or resource on this matter,” says HCC. “We still have a great amount of respect for the 3 other members of Counterfeit. Let it be known that the existing members are in NO WAY a part of the fraud. Our heart & respect go out to all that gave, donated and backed Hali in her time of need. This will not be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for HCC. We will continue our mission, we will continue to grow and we will continue to give when and where we can.”
Sadly, HCC’s full statement has now been pulled down from Facebook following a series of violent threats directed towards Etie. They have since posted a follow-up, which can be read below:
“TO BE CLEAR: We at Hardcore Cares are NOT & DO NOT condone Violence. Hali Etie needs to held accountable for her actions. We also understand that many people were affected by her actions. But we will not advocate any violence against Hali The comments got way off track & as a result of that we decided to pull the post. We thank everyone for their support in this matter. It is our sincere hope that Hali is held accountable & that everyone affected is repaid for their kindness.”
