5. FW (2014-2015)

I lived in a shared house with Steve from 2014 to 2015. During this time, I witnessed how the house and social circle surrounding it became increasingly focused on psychedelic drugs and experiences, primarily due to Steve's advocacy for them. It was a frequent topic of conversation, very present in events, and from my perspective there was a considerable amount of social pressure to be interested in and try psychedelic drugs. While I did not involve myself, I did observe with increasing concern the culture that was building up around the issue, less for the drugs themselves but more for the pressure to be 'into' them, a lack of care around use, and several upsetting episodes related to drug use. 

While I did not personally witness drug-related episodes within the house, I was aware of their occurrence and on several occasions I witnessed the aftermath of such episodes and how deeply upset and traumatised several members of the house were having witnessed and had to deal with Steve's behaviour under the influence of drugs. To my knowledge, the upset, hurt and worry this caused was not acknowledged at any point by Steve. (2, 4)

On one occasion I attended a birthday party [Jurassica Spectacular; October 2015] in the countryside, with the housemates and the extended social group. I witnessed drugs being handed out in a careless manner to people already under the influence of alcohol, primarily by Steve, and several people suffering extended and traumatic psychedelic trips. While everyone is responsible for their own decisions, I believe that the culture and social pressure built up through Steve's charismatic personality and advocacy for psychedelic drugs had a considerable influence on these and other events that were not safe spaces.

Later in 2015 I was part of an ‘intervention’ staged by the women living in the shared house with Steve. We were concerned about his behaviour for a number of reasons, including an incident at Nowhere Festival in which Steve Reid, whilst intoxicated and naked had forcefully approached a couple out in the desert, leaving them visibly shaken and nervous. (6) 

Steve was confronted by two women in the house directly about his behaviour, he denied any knowledge of this incident, or generally worrying behaviour and left the house soon afterwards.

I did not have any further contact with Steve Reid after this event, and remain concerned about his behaviour and the damaging impact it continues to have on others. 

FW (2014-2015)