Megadeth’s David Ellefson denies online ‘grooming’ accusations

David Ellefson of Megadeth
(Image credit: Press/Melody Myers)

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson has strongly denied accusations that he ‘groomed’ a fan after “personal conversations and interactions” were leaked online over the weekend.

The bassist responded to the allegations after graphic texts and video footage were shared on Twitter. 

While Ellefson admitted on Instagram that “private, adult interactions” took place, he claimed they were “taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family.”

You may like

The woman involved has also come forward to deny the suggestion that she was underage at the time the video calls took place, and also deny that she was ‘groomed‘ by Ellefson, calling it “misinformation”.

Posting as ‘edaphosauruses’ on Instagram, she said: “I’m the girl people are talking about in the posts right now and I just want to tell my side of the story because people are sharing misinformation and the situation is getting out of hand without the truth being out there. 

“Yes, those video calls did happen, but I was the one to initiate it and never was I underage, I was always a consenting adult. Nothing inappropriate ever happened before that. It was all consensual, I’m not a victim and I have not been groomed in the slightest as I was the one to initiate it.”

She added that she had recorded the video call and shared it with a friend without Ellefson’s permission.

In a subsequent post, she added: “Don’t wanna leave any room for discussion here. This is the truth and the full truth.”

Metal Hammer

Founded in 1983, Metal Hammer is the global home of all things heavy. We have breaking news, exclusive interviews with the biggest bands and names in metal, rock, hardcore, grunge and beyond, expert reviews of the lastest releases and unrivalled insider access to metal's most exciting new scenes and movements. No matter what you're into – be it heavy metal, punk, hardcore, grunge, alternative, goth, industrial, djent or the stuff so bizarre it defies classification – you'll find it all here, backed by the best writers in our game.

Read more
Megadeth posing for a photograph in 2013
“Metal fans are still stigmatised. So I try and write lyrics with meaning, rather than standard metal lyrics”: How Megadeth‘s Dave Mustaine set out to bust a few myths with Super Collider
Marilyn Manson performing live in 2024
“There’s a lot of jeopardy involved for them”: Marilyn Manson: Unmasked director applauds accusers who came forward ahead of series’ UK broadcast
Marilyn Manson
"Once again, our justice system has failed survivors." Games of Thrones actress Esme Bianco speaks out as news breaks that Marilyn Manson will not face criminal charges in relation to allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence
Architects in 2024
“I was thinking, he has to go.” Architects vocalist Sam Carter initially wanted guitarist Adam Christianson fired following 2024 controversy
Kerry King in 2023 and Dave Mustaine onstage with Megadeth in 2024
“Dave Mustaine can’t help but stick his foot in his mouth”: Slayer’s Kerry King explains his relationships with Metallica members old and new
Disturbed’s David Draiman posing for a photograph in 2005
“People are intimidated, or say I give off some bad vibe. But if you want to get a reaction out of a crowd, you better have an ego”: How Disturbed’s David Draiman became the metal star the press loved to hate
Latest in
Rick Astley and Rick Wakeman
“Rick Wakeman’s solo albums were just brilliant… when I heard he was doing Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace, I bought 12 tickets”: Prog is the reason Rick Astley became a singer
Marillion in 1984
From debauched prog revivalists to pioneers of the internet age: The Marillion albums you should definitely listen to
Queen posing for a photograph in 1978
"Freddie’s ideas were off the wall and cheeky and different, and we tended to encourage them, but sometimes they were not brilliant.” Queen's Brian May reveals one of Freddie Mercury's grand ideas that got vetoed by the rest of the band
Mogwai
“The concept of cool and uncool is completely gone, which is good and bad… people are unashamedly listening to Rick Astley. You’ve got to draw a line somewhere!” Mogwai and the making of prog-curious album The Bad Fire
Adrian Smith performing with Iron Maiden in 2024
Adrian Smith names his favourite Iron Maiden song, even though it’s “awkward” to play
Robert Smith, Lauren Mayberry, Bono
How your purchase of albums by The Cure, U2, Chvrches and more on Record Store Day can help benefit children living in war zones worldwide
Latest in News
Queen posing for a photograph in 1978
"Freddie’s ideas were off the wall and cheeky and different, and we tended to encourage them, but sometimes they were not brilliant.” Queen's Brian May reveals one of Freddie Mercury's grand ideas that got vetoed by the rest of the band
Adrian Smith performing with Iron Maiden in 2024
Adrian Smith names his favourite Iron Maiden song, even though it’s “awkward” to play
Robert Smith, Lauren Mayberry, Bono
How your purchase of albums by The Cure, U2, Chvrches and more on Record Store Day can help benefit children living in war zones worldwide
Cradle Of Filth performing in 2021 and Ed Sheeran in 2024
Cradle Of Filth’s singer claims Ed Sheeran tried to turn a Toys R Us into a live music venue
The Beatles in 1962
"The quality is unreal. How is this even possible to have?" Record shop owner finds 1962 Beatles' audition tape that a British label famously decided wasn't good enough to earn Lennon and McCartney's band a record deal
Lizzo and Sister Rosetta Tharpe onstage
"This is my baby, my passion – because Rosetta deserves": Lizzo to play rock'n'roll pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe in upcoming biopic