Ellefson, who has denied the claims, and Dave Mustaine co-founded Megadeth in 1983
“We are advising our fans who David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him,” Megadeth co-founder and lead guitarist Dave Mustaine wrote in a statement published on its social websites reports on Monday.
“We do not take this decision lightly,” the announcement continued. “While we don’t know every detail of what occurred, using an already strained relationship, what has been demonstrated now is enough to make working together hopeless moving forward. We look forward to seeing our fans on the road this summer, and we can’t wait to discuss our brand-new music with the entire world. It is virtually complete.”
Earlier this month, Ellefson, 56, tried to clean the air over speculation that he was intimately involved in communications with a girl who wasn’t his spouse after alleged sexually explicit messages and video surfaced on the internet. According to People magazine, in his social websites post, which has been created private, Ellefson denied the speculation he allegedly”groomed” an underage fan.
“As you might or not understand, some private and individual conversations and interactions have surfaced online, published with ill intention by a third party who wasn’t 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 you can.”
“Just as it is not something I am proud of, those were personal, mature interactions that were removed from context and manipulated to inflict maximum harm to my reputation, my livelihood and family,” he continued. “The other party involved has made a statement that you may see below. I thank her for doing this and hope that this explains that the situation wasn’t at all as presented.”
Ellefson accompanied his denial with an alleged screenshot of an announcement by the girl with whom he was supposedly involved at the time.
Inside, the girl admitted to recording the alleged intimate communications she had with Ellefson and called herself”naïve” for sharing them with a friend without the artist’s consent.
“Yes, these video calls did occur, but I had been the one to initiate it and never was I underage, I had been constantly a consenting adult. Nothing improper ever happened prior to that. It was consensual, I am not a victim and I have yet to be dressed at all as I was the one to initiate it,” the girl allegedly said.
Megadeth quickly issued a statement on the situation, saying,”We are aware of the recent statements concerning David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely. As it pertains to creativity and business, we are familiar with one another. But, there are clearly aspects of David’s private life that he has kept . While this situation evolves, it is necessary that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look ahead to the truth coming to light”
The bassist was a part of the group until 2002, before he rejoined in 2010.
The couple share two kids, son Roman, 25, and daughter Athena, 22.
Reps for Ellefson and Megadeth did not immediately react to Fox News’ request for comment.
