David Ellefson breaks his silence after being fired by Megadeth
Dave Mustaine dismissed Ellefson on Monday
David Ellefson has issued a statement after being fired by Megadeth earlier this week.
Dave Mustaine announced on Monday night (24th May) that Megadeth had “parted ways” with Ellefson a couple of weeks after the bassist categorically denied grooming a female fan. Explicit photos and video footage involving Ellefson were leaked on social media earlier this month.
“Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me,” Ellefson wrote in his newly issued statement.
“The actions in the video were between two consenting adults and were recorded without my knowledge. 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.”
Scottsdale Police Department confirmed to Rolling Stone magazine that they had met with David Ellefson on Wednesday (26th May).
David Ellefson joined Megadeth in 1983 and was a pivotal member until they split in 2002. He rejoined again in 2010, six years after the band reformed.
Dave Mustaine wrote on Monday: “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.”
David Ellefson had previously released a statement saying the “private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family.”
His post was accompanied by a screenshot of a message from who he claimed was the woman, saying she was not "groomed" by Ellefson and wasn't underage at the time of the interactions.
Megadeth are currently putting the finishing touches to their sixteenth studio album, the follow-up to 2016’s ‘Dystopia.’