Pearl Jam [ tickets ]’s manager lashed out Wednesday (7/19) against reports that some Danish police officials consider the band to be “morally responsible” for the deaths of nine people in a crowd crush during the band’s performance at the Roskilde Festival on June 30.

At least two online British music magazines--dotmusic and NME--reported Wednesday that a police report was delivered to the Danish Parliament on July 17 stating that Pearl Jam encourages “violent behaviour” from their fans. More than 280 witnesses were said to have been interviewed by police for the report.

"Whipping a crowd into a frenzy is appalling under conditions like those at the festival, where the ground was slippery and visibility was poor due to vapour in the air from many thousand people sweating,” one police spokesperson reportedly said.

“We have spoken to numerous witnesses who have told us that Pearl Jam are well known for almost appealing for violent behaviour,” said another, according to dotmusic.

In response to the reports, Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis issued the following statement on Pearl Jam’s Rumor Pit website:

“Pearl Jam are well known for their exciting live shows, but they have never, in their 10 year history of performing, ‘appealed for violent behavior,’” Curtis wrote. “Further, while ‘crowd surfing’ is an audience ‘phenomenon’ closely connected with many rock bands who are currently performing, it is not one that is encouraged by Pearl Jam.

“As the band's manager, I find it hard to believe that after all that has transpired, the band's devastation over the tragedies that occurred at the Roskilde Festival during the their performance, and their long history of attention to fan safety, that anyone would assign ‘moral responsibility’ to them. That, I find ‘appalling’ and ludicrous.

“Pearl Jam has always, and will continue to, do everything possible to ensure that their shows, and shows they are a part of, are safe and enjoyable for those who attend.”

Pearl Jam cancelled the last two dates of their European tour following the tragedy at Roskilde. The band is scheduled to begin a U.S. tour on August 3rd in Virginia Beach, Va.

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