Pageant's release was preceded by sexual abuse allegations against Ben Hopkins, which led to the duo being dropped by both Polyvinyl and Big Scary Monsters.

Bruce and Hopkins spent several months working together and developing their skills as a pair before playing their first show and releasing their first demo, Cinderella Beauty Shop (2014).

[7] In light of these allegations, several bands that were initially scheduled to join Pwr Bttm on their summer 2017 tour in support of Pageant pulled out of their shows.

T-Rextasy, who were set to perform with Pwr Bttm in July, expressed on Twitter their regret that these allegations were not a shock to them, having been previously warned by a fan who claimed to had been nonconsensually approached by Hopkins but asked not to have their experience shared; although apprehensive of damaging their professional relationships by pulling out of the show with no official reason, they later publicly regretted their initial decision to play and announced their cancellation.

[8] Two touring members of Pwr Bttm, Cameron West and Nicholas Cummins, also announced via social media that they were ending their affiliations with the band.

The band stated they were "shocked" and offered an email address where survivors and/or their contacts can discuss the allegations made against Hopkins, claiming they were unaware of violating anyone's consent.

[17] In July 2020, just over three years after the allegations, Hopkins announced an upcoming solo album, while also revealing that the band had indeed split up in 2017, after a falling-out between its two members.

[18] Ben Hopkins wanted to become a musician after watching Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mýa and Lil' Kim perform "Lady Marmalade" at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards.

[20] They also took inspiration from queer artists Mykki Blanco,[19] Reza Abdoh,[21] Taylor Mac, Justin Vivian Bond and Eddie Izzard, whose film Dress to Kill (1998) they would watch daily.