Winston Marshall is taking a break from Mumford & Sons following a backlash over his support for a controversial book written by a conservative American journalist.
In a since delated tweet last weekend, Marshall, who plays banjo for the English folk act, praised Andy Ngo's book Unmasked, calling it "important" and adding that the writer was "a brave man".
His endorsement of the recently published book, whose full title is Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy, and Ngo, who has been described as a provocateur with links to far-right groups in his native Portland, was condemned and saw the band met with almost universal derision online.
— Winston Marshall (@MrWinMarshall) March 10, 2021
In a tweet, Marshall has now announced that he is taking a break from the band, who had a massive hits in 2009 with their debut album, Sigh No More and 2012’s Babel.
"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," he said.
"For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention."
Mumford & Sons, who played low key gigs in Dublin pub Toners and music venue Whelan's in 2012, were also roundly criticised in 2018 when controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson visited their studio at the band’s invitation.
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