Megadeth, the popular American thrash metal band, announced on Monday that they were parting ways with bassist David Ellefson after he was accused of grooming an underage girl via videos and online messages.
“We do not take this decision lightly,” the band wrote on Twitter. “While we do not know every detail of what occurred, with an already strained relationship, what has already been revealed now is enough to make working together impossible moving forward.” Ellefson has denied any misconduct.
The band had previously released a statement two weeks previously which foreshadowed the firing, as screenshots of explicit messages and videos began to circulate on social media. “We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely,” the band said. “As it relates to creativity and business, we are all familiar with one another. However, there are clearly aspects of David’s private life that he has kept to himself.
“As this situation unfolds, it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look forward to the truth coming to light.”
Ellefson denied the allegations on his Instagram account, which has now been made private, according to Variety, calling the messages “private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family.” He also shared a statement allegedly from the woman in the messages stating she was not underage at the time. According to the statement, the woman involved was “always a consenting adult … In the end, it was all consensual and all online.”
Ellefson, 56, co-founded the band in 1983 with guitarist Dave Mustaine. He remained with the band, one of the “big four” thrash metal groups (the others being Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer) until 2002. He rejoined the quartet, which also includes Dirk Verbeuren and Kiko Loureiro, in 2010.