Shaun Ryder denies ‘knocking out’ former Happy Mondays’ bandmate Rowetta following shocking accusation
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta has accused frontman Shaun Ryder of “punching” her and “knocking her out” in a bitter public feud that has erupted between the former bandmates.
The 59-year-old made the allegations in a series of posts on social media over the weekend.
Ryder’s representatives told GB News that the matter was now “in the hands of Shaun’s lawyers” while adding the frontman was “shocked by Rowetta’s reported claims”.
Speaking to The Sun, Ryder’s team added he was “shocked and dismayed” to hear to allegations.
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They added the allegation was “particularly hurtful” as it came from “someone who, until she left the Happy Mondays at the end of last year, was an important member of their family.”
“For more than 25 years Rowetta was treated with love and respect by the band, its crew and representatives,” the statement continued.
In her posts on X, Rowetta began: “When I speak about Happy Mondays and it will always be true. I’m not a liar.”
She then claimed: “Shaun Ryder punched me, knocked me out & there were lots of witnesses & my son had to see me with a black eye!”
“Don’t call me a liar threatening with defamation! Should have called the cops!” she signed off.
Rowetta first joined Happy Mondays in 1990, alongside original members Ryder, Bez and the late bassist Paul Ryder.
She appeared on their top 5 track “Step On” and albums including “Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches”.
Her relationship with Ryder has been turbulent over the years. The pair previously had a bitter feud that resulted in them not speaking for some time.
Rowetta left Happy Mondays in December 2023 after 34 years with the band.
Her departure was announced on the group’s official Instagram account with a statement thanking her “for her services” and wishing her “the best for the future.”
Accompanying her X allegations, Rowetta posted a video of former bandmate Mark ‘Bez’ Berry’s wife Firouzeh Razavi singing.
Firouzeh has reportedly taken the stage alongside Ryder and Bez in Rowetta’s old vocalist role.