Megadeth fire bassist David Ellefson over sexual misconduct allegations

The heavy metal band parted ways with its founding bassist after accusations of grooming an underage girl online

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.

Contributor

Adrian Horton

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Megadeth – review

They've slowed down a little, but Dave Mustaine's rockers still play with the brutality of an exploding planet, writes Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

04, Jun, 2013 @1:15 PM

Megadeth: Th1rt3en – review

Dave Mustaine's back and this time he's … well, he's still angry. By Dom Lawson

Dom Lawson

03, Nov, 2011 @11:00 PM

Article image
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth denies Barack Obama was born in US

Guitarist, who was once a vocal Democrat, has questions about the US president but 'certainly not where he was born'

Sean Michaels

30, Mar, 2012 @2:39 PM

Article image
Former Megadeth drummer Nick Menza dies after collapsing on stage
Musician who played on band’s most successful albums thought to have suffered heart attack during session with his band OHM at jazz club in Los Angeles

Maev Kennedy

22, May, 2016 @2:28 PM

Article image
One half of Megadeth leave group citing creative differences
Drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick have abandoned the thrash metal outfit, leaving its two co-founders, Dave Mustaine and Dave Ellefson

Sean Michaels

27, Nov, 2014 @8:32 AM

Article image
Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax join forces for the ultimate heavy metal tour

The 'big four' of thrash metal team up for quite possibly the loudest tour in living memory

Rosie Swash

16, Dec, 2009 @3:32 PM

Article image
Feist leaves Arcade Fire tour after sexual misconduct claims against frontman
Canadian singer-songwriter announces she will step back from a tour with Arcade Fire following allegations against Win Butler

Adrian Horton

01, Sep, 2022 @6:39 PM

Article image
Arcade Fire: Juno awards defend nomination amid Win Butler sexual misconduct allegations
The Canadian equivalent of the Grammys has said the five-piece’s nomination for group of the year is ‘honouring the rest of the band for their success’

Shaad D'Souza

02, Feb, 2023 @12:37 PM

Article image
PWR BTTM release new statement to 'strongly contest' sexual abuse allegations
The punk band has lost support of their label and management after member Ben Hopkins was accused of misconduct

Guardian staff

18, May, 2017 @9:09 PM

Article image
BuzzFeed developing documentary on R Kelly sexual misconduct allegations
The feature will investigate allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct made against the R&B singer

Laura Snapes

25, May, 2018 @9:13 AM