A few weeks back, there were rumors starting to swirl around alleging that Megadeth founding member/bassist David Ellefson was being accused of grooming an underage female via messages and videos that were making the rounds on social media. The band issued a statement back then saying they were watching the situation and waiting to find out all the facts.

Ellefson of course denied all allegations, initially posting on his Instagram account that “private adult interactions were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, career and family.” He also stated that the materials in question were “released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them.” The female in question has allegedly said that it was a consensual situation and that she was of age.

Today, Megadeth issued a statement announcing the removal of Ellefson from the band.

While it is unclear who will step in to the bass role, the band has announced dates for the rescheduled “The Metal Tour of the Year”  with Lamb of God, Trivium and In Flames. That run kicks off in August.