Mumford & Sons guitarist and banjo player Winston Marshall is “taking time away from the band” after he endorsed controversial right-wing figure Andy Ngo.

In a since-deleted tweet over the weekend, Marshall congratulated Ngo on the release of his new book, which is titled Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy, and called him a “brave man.” Ngo has been accused of lying and selectively editing footage in an attempt to discredit the antifascist movement Antifa, as well as deliberately provoking left-wing protestors. 

Marshall’s tweet received backlash from fans and non-fans alike, which led to Mumford & Sons trending on Twitter.

In a statement posted Tuesday night, Marshall wrote, “Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed.”

“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 continued. “As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the and to examine my blindspots.”

Marshall added that he’s come to 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,” he concluded.

Marshall is a founding member of Mumfod & Sons, and has played on all of their albums.

By Josh Johnson
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