Winston Marshall, the banjo player for British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons, is “taking time out” after the social media reaction to a tweet in which he praised right-wing writer Andy Ngo.
In the deleted tweet posted over the weekend, Marshall – who is British – congratulated Ngo for publishing his latest book, “Unmasked”, which addresses “Antifa’s radical plan to destroy democracy.” “I finally had time to read your important book. You are a brave man, ”wrote Marshall.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account Tuesday night, Marshall apologized for the tweet and announced that he would take a license from the band to “examine my blind spots”.
“In the past few days, I have understood better the pain caused by the book than I endorse. I have offended not only a lot of people I don’t know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and that’s why I’m really sorry, ”wrote Marshall.
“As a result of my actions, I am taking time out of the band to examine my blind spots. For now, know that I understand how my endorsements have the potential to be seen as approvals of hateful and divisive behavior. I apologize, as that was by no means my intention. “
Representatives of Mumford & Sons did not immediately respond to Varietyrequest for comment from.
According to the Los Angeles Times’ criticism of Ngo’s book, “Unmasked” minimizes the murders of Heather Heyer and Trayvon Martin, argues that the Communists in Weimar Germany should be examined as much as the Nazis and calls the Proud Boys a “pro-Trump fraternity.”
Marshall is an original member of the band, who formed in 2007. Mumford & Sons most recently released a live EP, entitled “Delta Tour” in November 2020.