Megadeth comment on bassist David Ellefson’s grooming allegations: “There are aspects of David’s private life that he has kept to himself”

Megadeth have issued a statement in response to the recent allegations that have been made against bassist David Ellefson, who has been accused of grooming an underage fan.

“We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely,” the band wrote on social media. “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.”

Yesterday, Ellefson released a statement on Instagram denying those allegations, which had surfaced after several explicit screenshots and videos reportedly leaked on social media.

The woman involved also shared a statement on Instagram, saying the interaction between herself and Ellefson was “all consensual and all online”. At press time, both Ellefson and the woman involved have made their Instagram pages private.

pic.twitter.com/j4zKKdiqJY

— Megadeth (@Megadeth) May 11, 2021

According to a screenshot of Ellefson’s statement from yesterday [acquired by Ultimate Classic Rock], the 56-year-old wrote: “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.”

The woman involved in the exchange also defended Ellefson in her statement, writing: “It was all consensual, I’m not a victim and I have not been groomed in the slightest as I was the one to initiate it. I was just naive enough to record him and share it with a friend without his permission.”

“I don’t know how it got to this point, but a lot of information is being left out by the people purposely trying to harm him.”