The feud between the reuniting Smashing Pumpkins and bassist D’arcy Wretzky has taken another turn with a new band statement that claims she was “repeatedly” invited to meet and work with them but always “deferred.”

The comment – which marks the first time the band has specifically stated it has reunited, following weeks of speculation – came after Wretzky accused frontman Billy Corgan of lying to her about what was going on.

“In reuniting the Smashing Pumpkins, the band's dedication remains to its fans and its music," reads the new band statement. "To that, James Iha, Jimmy Chamberlin and William Corgan haven't played a show with D'arcy Wretzky for over 18 years. But it's not for a lack of trying. For despite reports, Ms. Wretzky has repeatedly been invited out to play with the group, participate in demo sessions, or at the very least, meet face-to-face, and in each and every instance she always deferred. We wish her all the best, and look forward to reconnecting with you all very soon.”

Corgan, guitarist Iha and drummer Chamberlin settled their differences last year and began working with bassist Jeff Schroeder in recent months. In an exchange of recent messages revealed by Wretzky, Corgan had told her not to worry and that her involvement would become clear in due course. It later transpired that the band had gone ahead and recorded an album with producer Rick Rubin. Wretzky found out about this after Corgan updated fans online. She said she was particularly “disgusted” with Iha, whom had remained in touch over the past 16 years. “He should be ashamed of himself,” she said.

Wretzky, who said a reunion tour would take place in July, also noted that Corgan had offered her a contract for the reunion, but had later withdrawn it, saying it hadn’t been a “real offer,” even though similar forms had not been withdrawn from the other original band members. “I think people might be getting sick and tired of being manipulated by Billy,” she speculated, adding that his “ego and insecurities” were the main reasons for the band’s split in 1999.

The Smashing Pumpkins are planning to make a major announcement, most likely official word on their reunion plans, on Thursday.

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