Megadeth has parted ways with founding bassist David Ellefson. 

The thrash-metal legends shared the news on social media on Monday in a statement credited to singer Dave Mustaine. 

“We are informing our fans that David Ellefson is no longer playing with Megadeth and that we are officially parting ways with him,” he wrote. “We do not take this decision lightly.”

The news arrives in the wake of Ellefson, who lives in Scottsdale, facing accusations of grooming an underage girl through videos and online messages.

Rolling Stone reported that rumors were being spread online.

“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,” wrote Mustaine, who also lived in Scottsdale for a decade before moving with his family to his native San Diego in 2004. 

“We look forward to seeing our fans on the road this summer, and we cannot wait to share our brand new music with the world. It is almost complete.”

Ellefson has denied the allegations

Ellefson responded to The Republic’s requests for comment with a statement released through his attorneys. 

“Recently, a very private video was illegally posted on the internet and false allegations were made against me,” the statement reads.

“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 pornography to be filed against the person who posted this video.”

The statement also says the bassist’s lawyers are preparing a defamation lawsuit to be filed against that person, who “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

When asked on Tuesday afternoon about the Scottsdale Police Department’s involvement in the matter, a department spokesperson responded via email, “As of right now there is nothing in our system regarding Mr. Ellefson.”

Ellefson also denied the accusations in a statement posted on his Instagram account, whichis now set to private. His Twitter account has been deleted.

According to Variety, the bassist’s social media statement called the videos in question “private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family.”

The Arizona Republic could not confirm whether Ellefson’s statement was still posted as of May 24.

He also said the videos had been “released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them.” 

His statement said the person in the videos was “always a consenting adult,” adding “it was all consensual and all online.”

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Megadeth first addressed the sexual misconduct accusations against Ellefson on May 10 on social media. 

“We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely,” that post read. “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.”

That May 10 statement added, “As this situation unfolds, it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look forward to the truth coming to light.” 

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.

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