The Neighbourhood fired their drummer, Brandon Fried, after a fellow artist came forward and accused him of sexual assault.
Content warning below // sexual assault
On Sunday (Nov. 13), The Marías singer, María Zardoya, came forward about his actions via an Instagram Story. She shared that she was at a bar last night when Fried “groped” her “under the table.”
“It was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever experienced,” she wrote. “I felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body.”
She concluded her story with a message to the band, “Y’all need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep.”
The Neighbourhood followed her post with a statement of their own, announcing Fried’s firing from the band.
“We are grateful to Maria for coming forward,” the band wrote. “We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behavior towards women. As a result of Brandon’s actions, he will no longer be a member of The Neighbourhood.”
In response to their statement, other women came forward via Twitter and Instagram where they alleged that they had either inappropriate contact with him or similar assault experiences. At least one of the stories was published prior to Zardoya coming forward.
Shortly after Zardoya’s account and the band’s announcement, Fried released his own statement via his personal Instagram Story.
“I am so terribly sorry to Maria. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable,” he began. “They are not reflective of who l am as a person, but clearly a reflection of who I become while under the influence. It is evident that I must address my problems with alcohol and substance abuse, which I am now
seeking help for.”
He then apologized to other women who “have been victims of any behavior that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated.”
“I am also sorry to The Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down,” he concluded.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse or violence, help is available through the RAINN website. To speak to someone on the phone, dial 1-800-656-4673.