The Leeds based band released their album 'Microshift' earlier this year

Hookworms have issued a statement after frontman MJ – real name Matthew Johnson – was accused of sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

The allegations were posted by Alanna McArdle, former Joanna Gruesome singer and MJ’s ex-partner yesterday (October 30). McArdle claims that she was contacted by an unnamed woman who shared details of the alleged abuse, who then asked her to make the public aware of MJ’s alleged actions.

Hookworms have now posted their own statement on Twitter, announcing that they can “no longer continue as a band.”

“We’re deeply shocked by the allegations that came to light yesterday regarding MJ and take them very seriously,” it reads. “As a result we have cancelled all upcoming Hookworms shows and can no longer continue as a band.

“There will be a full statement from MJ forthcoming but in the mean time we ask that you please try to be respectful of the fact that this is a matter for MJ as an individual, external to the band, and that other members of Hookworms, their collaborators, various agents and record labels had no prior knowledge of the allegation before it went public yesterday and we are still coming to terms with the news.”

At the time of writing, Johnson is yet to comment on the allegations.