CHATTER AWAY: Overnight Open Thread

Variety reports:

Winston Marshall, the banjoist from folk rock band Mumford & Sons, has exited the group after becoming embroiled in a political controversy for praising a book by right-wing journalist Andy Ngo. In March, Marshall tweeted his thoughts on Ngo’s book, “Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy,” writing “Finally had the time to read your important book. You’re a brave man.”

The tweet was met with backlash from fans, and Marshall apologized and announced he would take some time away from Mumford & Sons “to examine my blindspots.” On Thursday, Marshall announced he was exiting the band. “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.”

Read the full article.

Mumford & Sons Banjoist Winston Marshall Quits After Andy Ngo Political Controversy https://t.co/wX0lefbVxX

— Variety (@Variety) June 24, 2021

“Why I’m Leaving Mumford & Sons” by Winston Marshallhttps://t.co/JUraN3IDr3

— Winston Marshall (@MrWinMarshall) June 24, 2021

First they come for the banjo player in mumford and sons whose dad is worth 500 million, and I did not speak out, cos I sincerely could not give a shit.

— Ross McCafferty (@RossMcCaff) June 24, 2021

Mumford and Sons​ lead guitarist and banjoist Winston Marshall recently came under scrutiny for his support of right-wing provocateur Andy Ngo. Now, he’s leaving the band so he can “speak freely” about the “evils of political extremism.” https://t.co/sdCy3hKa7A pic.twitter.com/gPussYZOZf

— Consequence (@consequence) June 24, 2021