Home ENTERTAINMENT Winston Marshall quits Mumford & Sons after Andy Ngo controversy, citing free speech – The Guardian

Winston Marshall quits Mumford & Sons after Andy Ngo controversy, citing free speech – The Guardian

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Winston Marshall, guitarist-banjoist with chart-topping group Mumford & Sons, has quit the band following controversy around his support for Unmasked, a book decrying the leftist protest movement antifa.

In March, Marshall had tweeted to the book’s author, conservative journalist Andy Ngo: “Congratulations. Finally had the time to read your important book. You’re a brave man.” Following an online backlash, he apologised, and announced he would take time away from the group. “Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed,” he said, adding that he would “examine my blindspots”.

Marshall has now fully quit Mumford & Sons. In a blog post, he writes:

I have spent much 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 at the great risk of endangering oneself is unquestionably brave. I also feel that my previous apology in a small way participates in the lie that such extremism does not exist, or worse, is a force for good … For me to speak about what I’ve learnt to be such a controversial issue will inevitably bring my bandmates more trouble. My love, loyalty and accountability to them cannot permit that. I could remain and continue to self-censor but it will erode my sense of integrity … The only way forward for me is to leave the band. I hope in distancing myself from them I am able to speak my mind without them suffering the consequences.

He wished his former band members well, and added of his time with them: “What a blessing it was to be so close to such talent as theirs. It will be with immense pride that I look back at my time with Mumford & Sons. A legacy of songs that I believe will stand the test of ages.”

He concluded: “I look forward to new creative projects as well as speaking and writing on a variety of issues, challenging as they may be.”

Marshall had played with the band since they formed in 2007. They have released four albums, each of them reaching either No 1 or No 2 in both the UK and US charts.

Mumford & Sons wrote on Twitter: “We wish you all the best for the future, Win, and we love you man.”

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