NIGHTWISH manager Ewo Pohjola has been charged with assault following an incident in October 2023.
According to the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), Pohjola allegedly strangled a woman during a Music x Media event in Tampere. The woman reported that a “visibly drunk” Pohjola and another unidentified man approached her at a bar during the event. After Pohjola left the bar, she spoke with the other man, but Pohjola later returned and allegedly placed his hands around her neck in a “tight stranglehold,” reportedly commenting that “it felt exciting” before leaving.
A second woman has also come forward with a similar allegation but chose not to press charges. She claimed that Pohjola approached her at a bar and forcefully pulled her close by her hair, leading to his ejection from the bar shortly afterward.
According to Loudwire, Music x Media CEO Jani Jalonen has since addressed the incident, stating: “We are aware that, unfortunately, there has been inappropriate behavior at our event. We cannot comment on the details. Every participant in our event is required to commit to the event’s values and respect others. We have a process for potential harassment situations, according to which we act.”
Pohjola has previously denied any allegations of wrongdoing, stating in February: “I’ve been there and that’s what makes this strange. I, and no one from our company, has any idea about this.”
MetalSucks reached out to NIGHTWISH regarding the charges, and the band responded: “The band will not comment on the ongoing situation until the case has been closed.”
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