Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE has addressed serious allegations made by his brother Bo, who previously served as the band’s guitarist. In a recent social media post, Bo, 43, accused Bear, 44, of abusing him during their childhood alongside other instances of sexual abuse he endured. He shared his experiences publicly, expressing his belief in faith and resilience as a survivor of childhood trauma.
In his candid message, Bo revealed past sufferings, stating, “I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse… I believe that God has bigger plans for me and part of those plans are telling my story.” He emphasized the importance of hope and encouragement for others facing similar challenges.
In response, Bear acknowledged his brother’s pain while denying the allegations against him. He expressed his love for Bo and reiterated the trauma they both suffered at a young age from a camp counselor. Bear stated, “I must protect my family from claims that misrepresent the truth,” emphasizing that he had previously kept silent about these matters to provide a shield for his children.
Bear shared that he and Bo have undergone therapy together and processed their shared trauma from their childhood. He described the harm caused by Bo’s accusations as deeply painful and stressed that labeling him an abuser is misleading.
The situation is complicated, stemming from shared trauma within their family and the challenges many survivors face. Bear concluded his statement with hope for eventual reconciliation between him and Bo, saying, “I truly do pray for this healing.”
Both brothers’ stories highlight the significant impact of childhood trauma and the challenges of addressing such issues publicly. As they navigate their relationship amidst these allegations, there remains a hopeful message of healing and understanding for those affected by similar experiences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with similar issues, support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).