Throughout the summer of 2018, while recording material for their fourth studio album, stories began circulating about the band and a series of sexual abuse.

[2][3][4] On September 10, 2018, Consequence of Sound published a series of allegations made by 9 women who accused members of the band with serious instances of sexual abuse: "The Orwells’ abuse was not only a well-known scene secret, but it was something that happened to so many women WITHIN the scene.

[6] The range of allegations include rape, sexual relations with underage girls, and sending unsolicited nude photos.

[8] Less than a year following the allegations, Mario Cuomo, posted a link to their fourth studio album via the band's subreddit page.

Childers initially said "I was reluctant to up the click count of a band accused of such disturbing behavior, but as a music journalist, I was obligated to press play."