The Neighbourhood have parted ways with drummer Brandon Fried after María Zardoya (the Marías bandleader) accused him of groping her underneath the table at a bar.
Yesterday (November 13), Zardoya posted an Instagram Story alleging the assault that reportedly took place over the weekend. She wrote: "i was at a bar last night, and i was groped under the table by brandon fried @brandonfried_, the drummer of the neighbourhood. it was one of the most uncomfortable things i've ever experienced. i felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body."
Zardoya added, "@thenbhd ya'll need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep."
Within an hour, the band responded to the claim saying they were severing ties with Fried, who had been a member of the Neighbourhood since 2014 — a year ahead of the release of their sophomore album Wiped Out!
"We are grateful to Maria for coming forward," they wrote across their social media channels. "We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behaviour towards women. As a result of Brandon's actions, he will no longer be a member of the Neighbourhood."
Fried took to his Instagram Story to apologize to all parties, writing:
I am so terribly sorry to Maria. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly reflective 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.
I want to apologize to women who have been victims of any behaviour that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated.
I am also sorry to The Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down.
See screenshots of the posts below.
The Marías released their acclaimed debut album CINEMA last year, while the Neighbourhood released their most recent project, Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones, in 2020.
Yesterday (November 13), Zardoya posted an Instagram Story alleging the assault that reportedly took place over the weekend. She wrote: "i was at a bar last night, and i was groped under the table by brandon fried @brandonfried_, the drummer of the neighbourhood. it was one of the most uncomfortable things i've ever experienced. i felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body."
Zardoya added, "@thenbhd ya'll need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep."
Within an hour, the band responded to the claim saying they were severing ties with Fried, who had been a member of the Neighbourhood since 2014 — a year ahead of the release of their sophomore album Wiped Out!
"We are grateful to Maria for coming forward," they wrote across their social media channels. "We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behaviour towards women. As a result of Brandon's actions, he will no longer be a member of the Neighbourhood."
Fried took to his Instagram Story to apologize to all parties, writing:
I am so terribly sorry to Maria. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly reflective 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.
I want to apologize to women who have been victims of any behaviour that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated.
I am also sorry to The Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down.
See screenshots of the posts below.
The Marías released their acclaimed debut album CINEMA last year, while the Neighbourhood released their most recent project, Chip Chrome & the Mono-Tones, in 2020.