The 2010s rock band The Neighbourhood has weirdly been getting a lot of press lately. First, singer Jesse Rutherford immediately became more famous when he started dating superstar Billie Eilish.
Now the band is in the news for a much worse reason: the band’s drummer has been fired over sexual misconduct allegations. Maria Zardoya, the singer of the indie pop band The Marías, took to Instagram to explain what happened to her.
“I was at a bar last night, and I was groped under the table by brandon fried, the drummer of the neighbourhood. It was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever experienced,” she wrote. “I felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body. @thenbhd y’all need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep.”
The band responded quickly and decisively. “We are grateful to Maria for coming forward. We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behavior towards women. As a result of Brandon’s actions, he will no longer be a member of The Neighbourhood.”
Fried also took to Instagram to respond to the allegations and also apologize. He said his behavior was due to his struggles with substance abuse.
“I am so terribly sorry to María. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly a reflection of who I become while under the influence. It is evident that I must address my problems with alcohol and substance abuse, which I am now seeking help for. I want to apologize to women who have been victims of any behavior that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated. I am so sorry to the Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down.”
A quick open and shut case, which is rare for these sorts of things.
If you know someone suffering from sexual violence, contact RAINN or the National Sexual Abuse Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
Published: Nov 14, 2022 05:08 pm