The family of Graham Sierota is trying to clear the air after the drummer found himself at the epicenter of controversy with Travis Barker‘s daughter, and they believe the entire thing was a misunderstanding.
In a statement to The Blast, the Sierota family, which includes the other members of Echosmith, tell us, “We have never publicly addressed this in the past, but given the events of the last few days, we feel compelled to speak out now to offer some additional context and insight into the unfortunate misunderstandings that occurred and clear up the deeply hurtful mischaracterizations of Graham.”
They reveal that, “As a child, Graham was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” and stress that Graham, “has difficulty understanding social cues.”
The Sierota family says, “Graham’s challenges have always been a non-issue in our family,” and that his outlook on life, “inspires us every day.”
As we reported, Graham found himself in hot water after inviting the Blink-182 star’s 13-year-old daughter to a family BBQ. He later apologized and claimed he did not know she was underage.
The Sierota family claim it isn’t the first time Graham has sent out invites to a party, and describe a recent Christmas event where, “we hosted a holiday party at our home, and had athletes, musicians, artists, and models show up, and we were very confused until they happily told us ‘Graham reached out on social media and invited us!”
The family does not take the situation with Alabama Barker lightly, and says, “We understand that his interactions were misinterpreted and misunderstood in the confusing world of social media, and we are deeply sorry. Graham certainly never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable.”
They continue that, “As a family, we will continue to work with him to have the right tools and knowledge about social boundaries, and to better navigate and utilize social media while he takes a break from it.”
The Sierota family hopes, “anyone who’s been affected, and in turn felt uncomfortable, can accept our deepest apologies.”
The statement was sent by the entire family, including Sydney, Noah, Graham, Linda and Jeffery Sierota.
The Blast first broke the story regarding Travis Barker feeling “disgusted” over Graham contacting his daughter on Instagram.
Since then, Graham has apologized and Alabama has accepted the apology.
“We have never publicly addressed this in the past, but given the events of the last few days, we feel compelled to speak out now to offer some additional context and insight into the unfortunate misunderstandings that occurred and clear up the deeply hurtful mischaracterizations of Graham. As a child, Graham was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has difficulty understanding social cues.
Graham’s challenges have always been a non-issue in our family. In fact, it is a truly beautiful and wonderful thing that makes Graham the amazing brother, son and friend that he is. His outlook on life inspires us every day. He’ll be the first one to say “today is gonna be the best day ever,” or, “you’re my best friend and you look amazing today.” He sees the world as the happiest place, where everyone is a potential friend, and he wants everyone to feel included. One very recent Christmas, we hosted a holiday party at our home, and had athletes, musicians, artists, and models show up, and we were very confused until they happily told us “Graham reached out on social media and invited us!” Anyone who has ever met Graham will agree, he is the friendliest and most kind-hearted, welcoming person in the world.
We understand that his interactions were misinterpreted and misunderstood in the confusing world of social media, and we are deeply sorry. Graham certainly never meant to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
As a family, we will continue to work with him to have the right tools and knowledge about social boundaries, and to better navigate and utilize social media while he takes a break from it.
We hope anyone who’s been affected, and in turn felt uncomfortable, can accept our deepest apologies.“
~ Sydney, Noah, Graham, Linda and Jeffery
