I think it’s very interesting the reactions that have been generated by the footage we posted the other day. Reluctantly, I feel compelled to share a few thoughts. I have to say I’m quite surprised that people are prepared to jump to conclusions when it is clear that the footage does not show the full story. The beginning and the end are missing. As I stated in a previous comment, I think it’s important to remember that when you see an excerpt of footage out of context it can misrepresent a situation and give the wrong impression. This footage is a good example of that.

I have no view to express concerning the footage because I don’t know the full story, so I’m reluctant to speculate on something I can’t possibly make an informed judgment about. The only point I wish to get across is the one I made above. Any person who studies or works in news media would know that just because something is captured on video does not mean it accurately represents a situation. It should also go without saying, that just because you don’t see the girl get off the bus (which seems to be the thing people have an issue with), doesn’t mean she stayed on the bus.

I can appreciate the mixed feelings a piece of footage like this generates, particularly with female fans. When you’re female and love rock, you’re often confronted with moments of disappointment and divided loyalties when you hear or see bands and artists who you admire, apparently saying or doing things that are sexist or just not cool (Yo! Phil Anselmo! KISS MY NAGGING BITCH ASS!).

Ultimately, it seems the video could be interpreted in one of two ways, and the following question is what you’d all like an answer to – Does this footage capture Rollins taking advantage of a groupie , or does the footage capture Rollins dealing with a difficult fan by confronting her and then luring her onto the bus for the sole purpose of getting her out the way so that he can get on with signing other people’s stuff?

Wow, I feel like I’m running a college tutorial all of a sudden.  I want 500 words by the end of the week.

Although I’ve said that I don’t have a view on the footage, I will go back on that slightly by saying that based on what I see in the footage and what’s been reported by those who were there, and also recalling stories told by Rollins where he’s taken groupies at festivals aside and tried to talk some sense into them, the later scenario seems more likely.

Either way, I think it’s good that many of you are prepared to question the actions of someone you hold in high regard, rather than just blindly defending them, which many people would do.

Now that I’m done over intellectualising all this and treating it like an academic exercise, I’ll leave it over to you to draw your own conclusions and Hello Henry will return to it’s usual programing.