Earlier this month, Ellefson addressed the leaked videos, calling them “not something I’m proud of” as he responded to speculation that he was grooming a minor.
David Ellefson is no longer a member of Megadeth.
On Monday, the group’s frontman Dave Mustaine announced that the rock group would be “officially parting ways” with Ellefson, 56 after graphic videos and messages involving him leaked online.
“We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him. We do not take the decision lightly,” the 59-year-old wrote. “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,” the statement continued. “It’s almost complete.”
Megadeth first issued a statement regarding Ellefson on May 10 after reports of sexually explicit videos featuring the bassist with a woman who was not his wife surfaced.
“We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely,” said the band at the time. “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 also addressed the reports on his Instagram account at the time, which he has since made private. The bassist reportedly denied reports that he had groomed a minor, and called the videos “private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career, and my family.”
He also shared a statement he said was from the unnamed woman, in which she reportedly said, “I was always a consenting adult. Nothing inappropriate ever happened before that … I’m not a victim and I have not been groomed in the slightest as I was the one to initiate it.”
According to the bassist’s statement, the “private and personal conversations and interactions” were “released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to share them.”
In Ellefson’s defense, he’s been nothing but super to this site when we’ve spoken to him. We’ve had a good relationship with EMP Label Group and we wish him the best of luck in his future musical endeavors.