Megadeth‘s Dave Mustaine has released a statement announcing that the band is parting ways with bassist David Ellefson after text exchanges and explicit FaceTime videos were posted online between Ellefson and an unknown third party who was allegedly underage at the time the relationship began.
Mustaine posted the following message on Megadeth’s Facebook page:
“We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him. We do not take this decision lightly. 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. We look forward to seeing our fans on the road this summer, and we cannot wait to share our brand new music with the world. It is almost complete.”
Initially, Ellefson said the “certainly embarrassing” leaked materials were not something he was proud of but stressed that the footage was “taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family.” Specifically, Ellefson noted the person he was interacting with was of age and has denied any “grooming” of an underaged person.
Ellefson later released a statement to Rolling Stone, saying he’s working with local police on an investigation into the person who posted the video. Ellefson said he plans to charge the person responsible for posting what he deems “revenge pornography” online, and that he’s also filing a defamation lawsuit against the individual.
“I am working with Scottsdale Police Department in their investigation into charges regarding revenge pornography to be filed against the person who posted this video. Also, my lawyers are preparing a defamation lawsuit to be filed against this person.
“This person will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am taking this time to be with my family. I wish my bandmates the best with their upcoming tour.”
From our very unscientific look at comments on the HOH website, Megadeth‘s Facebook page and other sites, it seems that fans are not happy.
Shannon Lee D.
Nothing like giving your Brother and band mate of over 30 years the benefit of the doubt. Wow!
Alan S.
F**k Megadeth. Cancel culture in a metal band ? No one gives a shit what Ellefson did in his personal life.
F**k Megadeth
And f**k Mustaine