Megadeth issues statement after David Ellefson denies alleged ‘grooming’ accusations
The rocker said the video leaks of ‘private, adult interactions’ were ’embarrassing’
Rock band Megadeth is issuing a statement following the band’s bassist, David Ellefson’s denial of social media allegations he “groomed” an underage fan.
“We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely,” the metal group began in a post shared to its social media profiles on Monday.
“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,” it continued. “As this situation unfolds, it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look forward to the truth coming to light.”
On Monday, Ellefson, 56, attempted to clear the air over speculation he was allegedly intimately involved in communications with another woman, who wasn’t his wife, after alleged sexually explicit messages and video surfaced online.
In his social media post, which has since been made private, Ellefson denied the speculation that he allegedly “groomed” an underage fan, according to People magazine.
“As you may or not know, some private and personal conversations and interactions have surfaced online, released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them,” Ellefson wrote in the lengthy caption. “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.”
Ellefson accompanied his denial with an alleged screenshot of a statement from the woman with whom he was supposedly involved at the time.
In it, the woman admitted to recording the alleged intimate communications she had with Ellefson and called herself “naïve” for sharing them with a friend without the musician’s permission.
“Yes, those video calls did happen, but I was the one to initiate it and never was I underage, I was always a consenting adult. Nothing inappropriate ever happened before that. 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,” the woman allegedly stated.
Ellefson has been married to his wife, Julie, for 27 years. The couple share two children, son Roman, 25, and daughter Athena, 22.
A rep for Ellefson did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.
