Mumford and Sons guitarist Winston Marshall is "taking time away from the band" after receiving backlash for praising right-wing provocateur Andy Ngo's book on Antifa. The musician announced the news Wednesday on Twitter.
"Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed," he wrote in a statement referring to Ngo's book "Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy," which looks at the extremist group's history and tactics.
"I have offended not only a lot of people I don’t know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry."
Marshall sparked outrage when he congratulated Ngo for his book in a now deleted tweet.
"Finally had the time to read your important book. You’re a brave man," he wrote, per the Daily Caller.
Ngo has been linked with neo-fascist white nationalist groups the Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer and many social media users accused Marshall of fascism for his praise.
"i do enjoy finding out what everyone’s talking about one day late and today i am late to the mumford and sons fascism news," wrote one Twitter user.
"I’m not sure I can ever listen to @MumfordAndSons if they have a band member who promotes a fascist book," another wrote.
"I try to separate the artist from the political views but I draw the line at promoting things that harm our country. Mumford & Sons will now be removed from all of my playlists," a third added.
In his statement, Marshall said his tweet came across in the wrong way.
"As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blind spots," he wrote. "For now, please know that I realize how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behavior. I apologize, as this was not at all my intention."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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