Modest Mouse has removed guitarist Simon O'Connor from its current tour dates following allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to a minor. The band announced O'Connor's departure on social media last week, stating that Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav would fill in on guitar.
O'Connor, who joined Modest Mouse in 2021, has issued a statement addressing the accusations. He claims a message sent to a 16-year-old fan was a case of mistaken identity and an attempt to use a "tasteless meme" after he believed he was interacting with a person who had previously created multiple social media accounts to bother him. He stated that he realized his mistake after a few minutes, unsent the messages, and ceased communication.
"I unequivocally oppose any sexual behavior towards minors, as a human and a parent it disgusts me," O'Connor said in his statement. He explained that he had been dealing with someone who frequently created new accounts and posted similar photos. After a "long night," he saw a profile interacting with his Instagram posts and stories and "assumed" it was the same person. He then sent a meme with the text "Simon calls your bluff" and an attempt to indicate he recognized the "barrage of likes" and photo content, describing it as an "almost 'gotcha.'"
O'Connor apologized to the individual who received the messages, stating, "They didn't deserve to be put in that position, and I'm sorry for the stress and attention this has brought them." He added, "I know some people will choose not to believe me, and I understand that. I can't change what's happened. All I can do is tell the truth, take responsibility for my mistake, and apologize."
A Reddit user posted screenshots last month claiming that O'Connor sent her an "erotic image" and direct messages. The user stated that her age, 16 at the time, was clearly indicated on her social media handle. She also claimed that the story she had posted, which O'Connor viewed, was a countdown to her 17th birthday.
Modest Mouse representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. O'Connor previously toured with MGMT and appears on Modest Mouse's latest album, "An Eraser and a Maze."