Megadeth Address David Ellefson Controversy, Say They’re “Watching Developments Closely”
Megadeth have issued a statement addressing the current controversy surrounding bass player David Ellefson.
Ellefson, you’re likely aware, was recently accused of grooming an underage girl by an Instagram user, currently known only by the handle ‘woahworst.’ As evidence, that Instagram user shared both explicit videos of Ellefson nude and masturbating during a video chat and text messages between Ellefson and the woman in question.
Worth noting: while the videos certainly prove that Ellefson participated in sexual video chats with a woman who is not Julie Foley, his wife of 27 years, they don’t prove that the woman is underage or was groomed. I’m not saying she definitely wasn’t underage — I’m just saying the videos wouldn’t hold up in court. We never even see the woman; she could be sixteen or sixty.
Regardless, Ellefson subsequently released a statement in which he admitted that the leaked materials are “certainly embarrassing,” and “not something I’m proud of,” but also claimed they “were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation my career and family.”
Additionally, Ellefson included a purported statement from the young woman he is said to have groomed. “Yes, those video calls did happen,” the unidentified woman said in her statement, “but I was the one to initiate them and never was I underage, I was always a consenting adult.”
Which brings us to Megadeth’s statement, in which the rest of the band — or, if we’re being honest here, really just mastermind Dave Mustaine and his management — says that “there are clearly aspects of David’s private life that he has kept to himself” and assures fans that they are “are watching developments closely” and “look forward to the truth coming to light.”
Maybe this is just my cynicism shining through, but it reads to me like Mustaine is hedging his bets and buying some time, simultaneously distancing the Megadeth brand from Ellefson by emphasizing that they didn’t know what he was up to and preparing for the possibility that “the truth coming to light” will exonerate the bassist.
Put another way: Ellefson doesn’t have to file for unemployment yet, but James LoMenzo is standing by.
Here’s the entire statement:
“We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely.
“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.”
Megadeth have a tour with Lamb of God scheduled to kick off in August, and a new album on the way as well — so whatever happens with Ellefson, expect it to happen fairly quickly.
