The former Mumford and Sons member claims he left the band in order to protect his bandmates from the backlash which sparked after he praised a book about Antifa.
- Jun 28, 2021
AceShowbiz - Winston Marshall regrets causing distress to his Mumford & Sons bandmates.
The banjo player recently quit the folk rock band after becoming embroiled in controversy earlier this year for praising a book by right-wing journalist Andy Ngo.
Although Winston stands by his tweet, he admits he is sorry that his bandmates were held to account for his beliefs.
"To call me 'fascist' was ludicrous beyond belief," he writes in the Daily Mail. "I've had plenty of abuse over the years. I'm a banjo player after all. But this was another level. And, owing to our association, my friends, my bandmates, were getting it, too. It took me more than a moment to understand how distressing this was for them."
"Despite being four individuals we were, in the eyes of the public, a unit. Furthermore it's our singer's (Marcus Mumford) name on the tin. That name was being dragged through some pretty ugly accusations, as a result of my tweet. The distress brought to them and their families that weekend, I regret very much. I remain sorry for that. Unintentionally, I had pulled them into a divisive and totemic issue."
However, Winston revealed his bandmates stood by him and encouraged him to remain in the band.
"Emotions were high," he said. "Despite pressure to nix me they invited me to stay with the band. That took courage, particularly in the age of so-called 'cancel culture.' I made an apology and agreed to take a temporary step back."
But Winston says he ultimately decided to leave the band in order to avoid having to "self-censor" himself - and to protect his bandmates.
"For me to speak about what I've learnt to be such a controversial issue will inevitably bring my bandmates more trouble," he added. "My love, loyalty and accountability to them cannot permit that. I could stay and continue to self-censor but it will erode my sense of integrity. Gnaw my conscience. I've already felt that beginning.
"The only way forward is to leave the band. I hope in distancing myself from them I am able to speak my mind without them suffering the consequences. I leave with love in my heart and I wish those three boys nothing but the best. I have no doubt their stars will shine long into the future."
