Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has released a statement since his ouster from the band earlier this week following a leak of sexually explicit photos and video of him this month, compounded with allegations that he had been grooming a fan.
Ellefson denies any wrongdoing and is currently in the process of working with police regarding the matter as well as preparing a defamation lawsuit.
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“Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me,” Ellefson tells Rolling Stone. "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." Ellefson ended saying, "I am taking this time to be with my family. I wish my bandmates the best with their upcoming tour."
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine wrote a lengthy statement on social media explaining the band’s decision to part ways on May 24, saying they "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.”
Megadeth is scheduled to kick off their Metal Tour of the Year with Lamb Of God, Trivium, and In Flames on August 20th in Austin, TX and have also just been announced to appear at Slipknot’s Knotfest Iowa in September. There is currently no news of a replacement for Ellefson.
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