Mumford and Sons banjo player Winston Marshall is taking a leave of absence from the band amid protests over his recent social media post praising right-handed agitator Andy Ngo.
In a tweet posted last weekend, Marshall called Ngo a “brave man” and congratulated him on publishing a book on “Antifa’s radical plan to destroy democracy”. “I finally had time to read your important book,” wrote Marshall.
Now, however, Marshall has issued a public apology and announced his intention to take some time out of Mumford and Sons “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 many people I don’t know, but also the people closest to me, including my bandmates and I’m really sorry, ”wrote Marshall in a statement posted on Twitter. “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,” added Marshall. “I apologize, as that was by no means my intention.”
Ngo has emerged as a popular voice on the far right due to his reporting on leftist groups. However, critics of Ngo say he tends to publish selectively edited and deceptive content in order to portray left-wing activists as violent, while minimizing similar conduct on the right. Ngo was also accused of associating with extreme right groups like the Proud Boys. And in a 2019 video, he was captured standing with members of the white supremacy group Patriot Prayer while planning an attack on ANTIFA members.
In his recently published book – the one praised by Marshall – Ngo downplays the murders of Heather Heyer by white supremacists in Charlottesville. He also refers to the Proud Boys as a “pro-Trump fraternity” and describes a “Stop the Steal” rally in mid-November in Washington as “peaceful and celebratory”. On the other hand, Ngo likens leftist activists to a “gang of looters” whose mission is “to destroy the nation-state, America in particular”.
– Winston Marshall (@MrWinMarshall) March 10, 2021