Mumford & Sons banjo player Winston Marshall will take a break from his role in the British folk-rock band after issuing a public apology for supporting alt-right author Andy Ngo.
According to reports which surfaced on Wednesday morning, Marshall apologized for posting a message on Twitter last week – which has since been deleted – which praised Ngo’s recent book, Unmasked. The publication focuses on “Antifa’s radical plan to destroy democracy,” according to Fader.
Marshall’s now-deleted post read, “Finally had the time to read your important book. You’re a brave man.”
An apology statement shared to his personal Twitter on Tuesday (3/10) reads,
Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed. I have offended not only a lot of people I don’t know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry,” Marshall wrote. “As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots.
For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention.
Mumford & Sons have not released an official statement of their own as of Wednesday morning.
— Winston Marshall (@MrWinMarshall) March 10, 2021
[H/T Fader]