Paramore drummer Zac Farro reflects on ex-band mate and brother’s vile homophobic comments
Zac Farro and Josh Farro of Paramore (Mark Von Holden/WireImage for Clear Channel)
Zac Farro, drummer in American rock band Paramore, has opened up about his brother Josh’s homophobic comments, which caused the band to fracture.
Towards the end of 2020, a fan shared screengrabs of homophobic comments made by Josh Farro on his public Facebook profile.
Farro compared paedophilia to homosexuality, saying it was “not a preference it’s a perversion just like homosexuality” and his Facebook profile was reportedly shown to be liking posts in support of Donald Trump.
In a new interview with The Guardian, Zac spoke about how the revelation had resulted in a divide between the brothers.
“You think when you’re a kid you’re gonna do everything together, and we did up to a certain point. Then we didn’t,” he said.
“It’s definitely put a strain on the relationship but I actually think it’s been for the better recently.
“You can’t really be mad at that person – that’s what they chose.”
not josh farro being openly homophobic to cap off 2020 pic.twitter.com/VuQ02ZDGSP
— issa phae (@mizphantasm) October 28, 2020
Zac added it was down to him to decide whether he wanted to try and build a healthy relationship with his brother:
“You have to choose if you’re going to show love. My heart goes out to him, too; I don’t want to sound demeaning, but some people’s worldview isn’t very acceptable online. You learn it the hard way sometimes.”
Zac has since pledged to stand with the LGBTQ+ community.
Paramore have announced a headline 2022 tour and tickets go on sale soon. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
When Josh’s comments were shared online, Paramore’s lead singer Hayley Williams indirectly addressed the comments, writing: “There’s a reason there are only 3 people left in @paramore. surprise, haters, it ain’t cause of me”, on her now-deleted Twitter account.
“Paramore do not condone religiously/politically dogmatic beliefs which leave our LGBTQ+ friends, fans, & family feeling abandoned and hopeless.”
Hayley Williams of Paramore at the 2018 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee. (Josh Brasted/WireImage/Getty)
Paramore originally comprised of five members – including both Farro brothers.
In 2010, they both left, before Jeremy Davis (bass guitar) departed in 2015. Zac rejoined in 2017.
The group, now made up of Williams, Farro and Taylor York, have just released a music video for their new single “This Is Why”, the band’s first in five years. Their tour kicks off in October.
