Mumford & Sons’ Winston Marshall Parts Ways With Band

Mumford & Sons‘ banjo player Winston Marshall has decided to leave the group after facing backlash from his tweet earlier this year in which he praised a book by U.S. journalist Andy Ngo titled Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy. In the since deleted post, Marshall wrote that the book was “important” and complimented Ngo as a “brave man.”

In a lengthy statement linked in his Instagram bio, Marshall said his departure was a “difficult decision first brought about by an unintentional Twitter storm.”

He wrote, “The book documents the recent activities of the extreme Left in the US. The tweet was misconstrued by many as an endorsement of the equally abhorrent Far-Right. Nothing could be further from the truth. I condemn unequivocally all political extremism, be it of the Right or Left.”

He continued, “At the time of the incident emotions were high and despite the furore, the band invited me to continue with them. Considering the pressure, that took courage.”

Marshall said his time as part of Mumford & Sons had been “exhilarating” saying, “What a blessing it was to be so close to such talent as those three lads. I will look back at it all with immense pride and love. However, after much reflection and consideration, I have decided it is time to move on . . . I’ve spent much time since reflecting, reading and listening. I know now that, as long as I am a member of the band, speaking my mind on the evils of political extremism could bring them trouble. My loyalty and love for them cannot permit that. However to remain in the band and self-censor will gnaw my conscience, erode my integrity. By leaving I hope to speak freely without them suffering the consequences.”

The band posted a message to Marshall on social media writing, “We wish you all the best for the future, Win, and we love you man. M, B & T.”