Dave Mustaine has fired Ellefson
Megadeth has parted ways with bassist David Ellefson following an explicitly sexual video and messages with a younger woman. Band founder Dave Mustaine shared the news via all of the band’s platforms on Monday (May 24th).
“We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Two weeks ago, sexually charged messages and the explicit video involving Ellefson and an 18-year-old woman were leaked to social media. Ellefson was accused of “grooming” the teen while she was underage, although both parties have disputed that information.
Ellefson released a statement at the time, claiming, “As much as it’s not something I’m proud of, [the text messages and interactions] were private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation my career and family.”
His statement included a screenshot from the woman who denied any suggestions that she was underage at the time of those interactions. She also confirmed she shared the video with a friend without Ellefson’s permission, saying all contact between the pair was “all consensual and all online.” She also said that allegations of Ellefson “grooming” her was “misinformation.”
Ellefson has since privatized his social media accounts.
Ellefson has been with the band since its formation in 1983 to 2002, when Mustaine disbanded the group due to suffering severe damage that left him unable to play. He reformed the group while recording what was set to be a solo album in 2002. Ellefson rejoined in 2010, following a dismissed $18.5 million lawsuit that alleged Mustaine shortchanged him on profits and turning over the band name upon breaking up.
https://www.facebook.com/Megadeth/posts/323445489144868
