MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has issued a statement since being fired from the band addressing allegations made against him that he was grooming an underage girl after several interactions between the pair were leaked online.
Ellefson’s new statement, released via Loudwire, it can be read below:
“Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me. 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.
Screenshots and explicit video clips of Ellefson, which the bassist has since referred to as “some private and personal conversations and interactions,” initially surfaced on various social media platforms. At the time, Ellefson wrote in an Instagram post, “[They were] released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them. While certainly embarrassing, I want to address it as openly and honestly as possible.”
“As much as it’s not something I’m proud of, these were private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family,” he continued. “The other party involved has made a statement which you can see below. I thank her for doing so and hope that this clarifies that the situation was not at all as presented.”
The woman in question also posted online after the her interactions with the bassist were made public, saying that she was not underage when these interactions took place.