FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares addressed MEGADETH‘s decision to fire David Ellefson while being interviewed by Rocking With Jam Man about FEAR FACTORY‘s upcoming album, Aggression Continuum.
When Jam Man opined that it’s “not fair at all” that Ellefson lost his MEGADETH gig over allegations of sexual misconduct, Cazares said (transcribed by Blabbermouth):
“Well, we don’t really know what his relationship is with [MEGADETH leader] Dave Mustaine. I know that there’s been a lot of water under the bridge with those guys; I know they’ve had some turmoil issues that were going on. So, who knows? Who really knows? I don’t know. If it’s just based on what happened, then I would say it’s unfair. But I’m sure there’s stuff behind the scenes that we don’t know that’s going on… As Dave [Mustaine] stated in the press release [announcing Ellefson‘s exit], he said it was a ‘strained relationship,’ so, obviously, some stuff was going on behind the scenes that we just don’t know about.“
Dino also offered his opinion on the so-called cancel culture — where public figures are torn down after publicly judged for transgressions, perceived or real. He said: “We’re in a whole new era now [where] everybody’s ready to destroy you and destroy your career without even giving anybody a second chance or without even actually finding out the truth. So, it’s unfortunate that’s where we’re at these days.”
Following recent accusations, MEGADETH has kicked bassist David Ellefson from the group. The bassist has issued a statement to Loudwire on the allegations made against him.
The statement is as follows:
“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 p*rnography 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.”
