Simple Plan’s David Desrosiers leaves the band after misconduct allegations

The bassist for Montreal rock band Simple Plan is leaving the group following anonymous sexual misconduct allegations against him on social media.

David Desrosiers posted an apology on Instagram Thursday for the "harm" he has caused women.

An anonymous accuser on social media posted on Wednesday that Desrosiers started making inappropriate "jokes" with her when she was a minor, and they had consensual sex after she came of age. She alleged he invited others for group sex without asking her, threatened and demeaned her.

Desrosiers wrote on Instagram that allegations "have led me to acknowledge that some of the interactions I have had with women have caused them harm."

He said he was sorry for the harm he caused, and said he would seek "professional help to educate myself and act appropriately in the future."

 

 

 

 

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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

In a statement on Instagram, Simple Plan also apologized to the women affected as well as to fans who are disappointed by the "regretful situation."

A representative for the band said there will be no further comment at this time.

The group, which became known for its pop-punk sound in the 2000s, says it will be taking time to "pause" and reflect on how to prevent such situations going forward.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2020.