Marcus Adoro, the lead guitarist of the iconic Filipino rock band Eraserheads, is stepping back from the band's upcoming activities amid resurfaced allegations of sexual assault. This decision comes after a Reddit user publicly accused Adoro of raping her during her high school years, igniting a firestorm of discussion about accountability within the entertainment industry.
The Reddit user, identified only as @NMomThrowaway12345, detailed her traumatic experience in a post titled "the beloved Marcus Adoro of the Eraserheads raped me when I was in high school." In her account, she claimed that Adoro told her she was "lucky" because he didn’t "go all the way," and alleged that he had assaulted several other individuals as well.
In her post, she criticized not only Adoro but also the band and Diane Ventura, the director of the documentary about Eraserheads, for allegedly enabling Adoro’s behavior. She expressed her dismay, stating, "It’s also saddening — but not surprising — to see that Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan have no principles. They previously stated that they did not condone abuse. Pera lang pala ang katapat ninyo. Pa-Spolarium Spolarium pa kayo, mga ipokrito," which translates to "It’s just sad — but not surprising — to see that Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan have no principles. They previously stated that they did not condone abuse. It’s just money that matters to you. You’re all hypocrites."
In response to the allegations, Ely Buendia, the band's frontman, announced on April 6, 2025, that Adoro would be taking an indefinite break from the band's upcoming projects. He stated on Twitter, "We acknowledge the recent allegations that have surfaced online. As proponents of justice, we unequivocally condemn all criminal acts and stand against abuse of any form. Above all, we seek the truth." Buendia emphasized the band's commitment to addressing the issue responsibly, noting that Adoro would be stepping back to focus on the matter at hand.
While Buendia did not specify which of the band's activities would proceed without Adoro, he mentioned that the band would continue to move forward with "humility and deep respect for the truth and social responsibility." The Eraserheads are currently on a promotional tour for their documentary film "Combo on the Run," which premiered in theaters last month, and are scheduled to headline the "Electric Fun Music Festival" on May 31 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque.
Adoro's absence raises questions about how the band will navigate the festival and other scheduled events. The recent allegations have sparked renewed public discourse on accountability within the entertainment sector, particularly regarding how past abuse allegations have been overlooked in favor of commercial interests.
This is not the first time Adoro has faced serious allegations. In 2019, his daughter, singer-songwriter Syd Hartha, accused him of physical and emotional abuse. Hartha publicly recounted her experiences, stating, "Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan iba’t ibang klase ng abuso na dinanas ko sa kanya. Kaya pala ako nilalayo ng nanay ko at iba pang mga kamag-anak ko sa kanya. Kaya pala," which translates to "I can’t forget the different kinds of abuse I experienced from him. Now I know why my mother and other relatives made me stay away from him. That’s why."
Three years later, Adoro penned an open letter to Hartha, appealing for a "second chance for redemption" and expressing a desire to reconnect with her. In the wake of the allegations against him, Hartha has received support from other band members, including bassist Buddy Zabala, who expressed solidarity with her in a previous interview.
The ongoing controversy has highlighted the importance of addressing abuse allegations seriously and the need for accountability in the music industry. Critics have called out media outlets and industry figures for their complicity in overlooking or downplaying such allegations, raising concerns about the impact of commercial success on ethical considerations.
As the Eraserheads prepare for their upcoming festival, the band faces a critical moment that will test their commitment to justice and the truth. The public's response to the allegations against Adoro will likely shape the band's future and their legacy in the Philippine music scene.
In light of these developments, it remains to be seen how the Eraserheads will navigate this turbulent period. The band's statement reflects a broader cultural shift toward holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged survivors to come forward and seek justice.
As of now, Marcus Adoro has not publicly addressed the allegations against him. The Eraserheads continue to be a significant force in the Philippine music landscape, but the unfolding situation raises questions about their future and the implications of past actions.
The Electric Fun Music Festival, featuring other popular acts such as Itchyworms, Moonstar88, Imago, Dong Abay Music Organization, and Blaster, is set to take place in Parañaque, and fans are eager to see how the event will unfold in light of the recent controversies surrounding one of its headliners.
