After publicly endorsing notorious right-wing politician Andy Ngo, Winston Marshall has decided to quit Mumford & Sons.
In a Medium blog post on Thursday, the lead guitarist and banjoist for the mega-successful sextet announced his departure from the band he co-founded with Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, and Ted Dwane. In his article titled “Why I’m Leaving Mumford & Sons,” Marshall writes, “The only way forward for me is to leave the band.” “I’m hoping that by separating myself from them, I’ll be able to speak my mind without fear of repercussions. I depart with love in my heart and only the greatest wishes for those three guys. I have no doubt that their stars will continue to shine for a long time.”
In March of this year Marshall publicly endorsed Ngo’s book Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy. Thanking him personally, Winston wrote, “Finally had the time to read your important book.” “You are a courageous man.”
After receiving feedback from fans, the rocker apologized and stated that he would be taking time away from the band to “examine my blind spots” and the findings are in with the Marshall identifying no flaws. In his blog post, he said, “I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting, reading, and listening. The truth is that my commenting on a book that documents the extreme far left and their activities is in no way an endorsement of the equally repugnant far right.” “The truth is that reporting on extremism while putting one’s life in jeopardy is unquestionably courageous. I also believe that my earlier apologies contributes in some way to the illusion that such extremism does not exist, or, worse, that it is a force for good.”
Mumford and his other boys confirmed the news with an Instagram picture.
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Author: Luke Traina
Photo: Andrea Sartorati