Who is Michael Franti? All about singer as he admits to extra-marital affair but denies abuse allegations following Victoria Canal controversy

Following the abrupt cancellation of the Soulshine At Sea tour on August 17, singer Michael Franti from Spearhead has opened up about abuse allegations. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Franti and his group were scheduled to perform during the four-day tour in November.

The cancellation comes after multiple artists, including Maggie Rose, ALO, Liz Vice and The Tankas, Dispatch, and The Bangas, withdrew from the tour after abuse and grooming allegations against Franti surfaced publicly.

The news outlet reported that the allegations were reportedly tracked to singer Victoria Canal, who provided a vulnerable account of a relationship with a "powerful decades older man" in the industry.

Without writing any names, Victoria detailed "the terrorising confusion of grooming." She went on to say that the other person made a "confession", which subsequently led to emotional and psychological consequences, including symptoms of "PTSD."

Michael Franti shares his "story" about extra-marital affair but denies abuse allegations following Victoria Canal controversy

Following the post and cancellation of the tour, Michael Franti addressed the allegations through an Instagram post on August 18. He admitted to a relationship outside his marriage "7 years ago" and disclosed that it was an "artist" who was "touring" with him at the time. Franti went on to say that after his wife came to know about his affair, he ended his relationship with the "artist" and engaged in "repair" to save his marriage.

He wrote that he is "aware" of the "posts" about their relationship, but emphasised that the relationship was "consensual." He wrote,

“I vehemently dispute any version of the story that says otherwise. I will, however, take full accountability for not better recognizing the power imbalance — as she was younger than me, and I was the headliner on tour."

He expressed gratitude towards his fans and followers, while also apologising to his wife, Sara, and the artist.

Meanwhile, Sixthman, event promoters of the Soulshine At Sea tour, are reported to be working on scheduling another event on the previously scheduled dates. They wrote in a statement,

"We are actively working to announce a new event that will sail November 4-8, 2025. Additional details will be shared tomorrow, Monday, August 18."

Victoria Canal's public disclosure about "grooming" reportedly led to the domino effect of the Soulshine At Sea tour and apology by Michael Franti. The former cited "risk of financial loss or emotional terror" as not revealing names in her public post.

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