The Neighborhood fire drummer Brandon Fried after groping allegations

[ad_1]

Rock band The Neighborhood have booted their drummer Brandon Fried after he was slapped with a groping allegation.

Maria Zardoya, who is the front-woman of indie band The Maras, accused the drummer, 32, of unsolicited lewd behavior, saying it was “one of the most uncomfortable things” that had ever happened to her.

“I was at a bar last night, and I was groped under the table by Brandon Fried, the drummer of The Neighborhood. It was one of the most uncomfortable things Ive ever experienced. I felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body,” Zardoya wrote on her Instagram Story.

She then told the band they “need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep.”

Not long after her shocking post, the band announced Fried was no longer a part of The Neighborhood on Sunday night.

Maria said in an Instagram story post on her account that Brandon Fried touched her inappropriately at a bar. After Maria’s post, the band announced Fried was no longer a part of The Neighborhood via Instagram post.

“We are grateful to Maria for coming forward. We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behavior towards women,” the “Sweater Weather” hitmakers wrote.

“As a result of Brandons actions, he will no longer be a member of The Neighborhood.”

Fried took accountability for his actions, apologizing to the singer in a statement on Instagram.

“I am so terribly sorry to Maria. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable,” the 32-year-old wrote. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly a reflection of who I become while under the influence.”

Fried apologized and took accountability for his actions in a statement on Instagram.

Fried said he “must address my problems with alcohol and substance abuse,” before revealing he is now “seeking help.”

“I want to apologize to women who have been victims of any behavior that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated,” he continued. “I am so sorry to The Neighborhood and our fans for letting them down.”

The California rock band was formed in 2011, and consists of guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, bassist Mikey Margot and singer Jesse Rutherford.

Fried had joined the band in 2014.

The band has released four studio albums, with their most recent release being “Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones” in 2020.

Frontman Rutherford, 31, recently confirmed his romance with singer Billie Eilish, 20, after the pair made a red carpet debut at the 2022 LACMA Art + Film Gala.

[ad_2]