Real Reason Why David Ellefson Was Fired From Megadeth Revisited

David Ellefson spoke up about the scandal that led to his firing from Megadeth, specifically the embarrassment it caused to people close to him.

Megadeth removed Ellefson from the band after his NSFW text messages and video with a Dutch teenager were leaked online. He admitted to having those sexual messages and virtual encounters with her, but he dismissed the claims he groomed the underaged fan.

David Ellefson Opens Up About The Scandal

In his interview with Metal Hammer, Ellefson reflected on the incident and reminded everyone about the two sides of the story.

"We all come into the world with our birthday suit on, so what are we ashamed of?" he said. "What I feel the worst about is the embarrassment that it caused some people, like my family, who didn't deserve it. Out of respect for them, I'm going to keep the family dynamic off the table [during interviews]. That's at their request."

Ellefson also disclosed that Megadeth frontman, Dave Mustaine, did not leave him with any amount of hope to return to the band after the issue was publicized.

After leaving the band, he started focusing on his solo music and tour in his own capacity. He also created the band Dieth in 2022 after working with The Lucid alongside Sponge's Vinnie Dombroski and Fear Factory's Mike Heller.

His comment resonated with what he told Andrew McKaysmith of the "Scars And Guitars" podcast, saying he was ready to be fired from Megadeth days after the news broke.

According to the bassist, he heard people saying how terrible it was to see him depart from Megadeth - something he said he was ready for.

Two days after his departure from the group, Ellefson penned a statement in which he said he would file a defamation lawsuit against the individual who posted his private video and made false allegations against him.

"At some point, the damage was done," he told Heavy Talk. "So you move on. We're all human, and it is what it is. You can't lament it," he said. "I've watched how he's treated his dismissal from Metallica - still b**ching about it 40 years later. And I think it looks f**king pathetic."

James LoMenzo, who worked with Testament's Steve Di Giorgio, replaced Ellefson afterward.