Winston Marshall steps away from Mumford & Sons after endorsing book
He has issued a statement
Last updated 10th Mar 2021
Mumford & Sons banjo player Winston Marshall has announced he’s taking time away from the band after he praised a book by a right-wing author over the weekend.
33-year-old Marshall caused controversy online when he took to Twitter to praise what he called an “important” book, Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy by US journalist Andy Ngo.
Marshall, who has since deleted the post, also hailed Andy Ngo as a “brave man” for writing the book.
Following a huge backlash online, Marshall issued a statement in the early hours of this morning (10th March) confirming he’s taking time away from Mumford & Sons “to examine my blindspots.”
“Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed,” Marshall wrote. “I have offended not only a lot of people I don’t know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry.
“As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots.”
Marshall, son of wealthy British investor Sir Paul Marshall, added: “For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention.”
Winston Marshall founded Mumford & Sons in 2007 alongside fellow constant members Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Duane.