The Bataclan theater in Paris angrily rejected Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jessie Hughes’ “insane” claim that security at the venue was tipped off to the terrorist attacks in which 89 concert-goers were slaughtered.
“Jesse Hughes spread some very grave and defamatory accusations against the Bataclan teams,” the venue said in a statement, Variety reported.
“A judicial investigation is undergoing. We wish to let justice proceed serenely. All testimonies gathered to this day demonstrate the professionalism and courage of the security agents who were on the ground on November 13. Hundreds of people were saved thanks to [these agents’] intervention,” the statement said.
In an interview with Fox Business Network this week, Mr. Hughes said he was suspicious of the guards at the venue while setting up for his band’s Nov. 13 show.
When he asked a promoter about one of the guards who did not make eye contact with him, Mr. Hughes was told some of the guards had not shown up to work.
“Out of respect for the police still investigating, I won’t make a definite statement, but I’ll say it seems rather obvious that they had a reason not to show up,” Mr. Hughes told Fox.
As the Eagles of Death Metal were playing, terrorists opened fire and threw grenades into the theater, in the deadliest in a series of coordinated attacks around Paris that claimed 130 lives.
Mr. Hughes also said one of the attackers allowed three fans to leave the venue, which he saw as further proof that the terrorists had inside knowledge of the theater.
Last month, the singer said France’s gun control laws were to blame for the attack.
The Bataclan is currently closed for renovations, but is expected to reopen at the end of the year.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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