David Ellefson says he’s seeking “revenge porn” and defamation charges following Megadeth dismissal
“This person will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Ellefson stated.
Photo: Christie Goodwin / Getty
David Ellefson’s lawyers are reportedly preparing a defamation lawsuit against the individual who allegedly leaked a private video of him online that contributed to his dismissal from Megadeth.
According to Ellefson’s statement, he is pursuing those defamation charges while also assisting an Arizonan police department in its investigation into “revenge pornography” charges against the person who first shared online the allegedly explicit private video.
“Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me,” he said in a statement to Rolling Stone, published yesterday (26 May).
“The actions in the video were between two consenting adults and were recorded without my knowledge,” he continued. “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.”
According to Arizona law, non-consensual posting of an intimate photo or video is a felony. If an individual is found guilty and convicted for disclosing the photo or image by electronic means, they may face between 1.5 and three years in prison as well as a fine of not more than US$150,000.
On Tuesday (25 May), Megadeth announced they were “officially parting ways” with Ellefson, one of the band’s co-founders, following his allegations of sexual misconduct.
“We do not take this decision lightly,” frontman Dave Mustaine wrote in a statement. “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.”
Megadeth, however, still have plans to move forward with a 2021 tour, along with the release of a new album. Though it’s unclear at this point if Ellefson’s contributions will remain on the record.