Simple Plan Part Ways with Bassist David Desrosiers After Sexual Misconduct Allegations Surface Online

Over the last few weeks, a number of Instagram pages with "victims_voices" in their profile names have emerged to share #MeToo stories across Canada. Among them have been stories accusing Simple Plan bassist David Desrosiers of sexual misconduct. In response, he's exited the band.

The most prominent story was shared on @victims_voices_montreal, and translated by Twitter user @kidrauhlmontreal:
 

In response to the allegations, Desrosiers and Simple Plan have parted ways, with the band promising to enforce "guidelines" to make sure this doesn't happen again. The band have also they will "take time to pause."

Read statements from both the band and Desrosiers below.
 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suite à des déclarations publiques récentes, David Desrosiers se retire du groupe afin de travailler sur ses difficultés personnelles. Nous présentons nos excuses les plus profondes aux femmes qui ont été blessées par ses actions. Nous sommes également désolés pour tous nos fans qui sont déçus de cette situation regrettable. En tant que groupe, nous prendrons le temps de faire une pause, réfléchir, et mettre en place des lignes directrices afin d'éviter que de telles situations se reproduisent. Following recent public statements, David Desrosiers is withdrawing from the band in order to work on his personal issues. We offer our deepest apologies to the women who were hurt by his actions. We are also sorry for all our fans who are disappointed by this regretful situation. We will, as a band, take time to pause, reflect and put in place guidelines to prevent similar situations from happening.

A post shared by Simple Plan (@simpleplan) on Jul 9, 2020 at 8:12pm PDT

 

 

 

 

 

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Des déclarations publiques récentes m'ont fait reconnaître que certaines interactions que j'ai eues avec des femmes leur ont causé du tort. J'ai donc pris la décision de me retirer du groupe et d'aller chercher de l'aide professionnelle afin de m'éduquer et d'agir de façon appropriée à l'avenir. Je suis vraiment désolé pour le tort que j'ai causé à ces femmes. Recent public statements have led me to acknowledge that some of the interactions I have had with women have caused them harm. I have decided to withdraw from the band and seek professional help to educate myself and act appropriately in the future. I am truly sorry for the harm I have caused to these women.

A post shared by David Desrosiers (@daviddesrosiers) on Jul 9, 2020 at 8:10pm PDT