Modest Mouse boots guitarist Simon O’Connor from tour after allegations he sent inappropriate messages to teen fan

Indie rock band Modest Mouse has announced that guitarist Simon O’Connor will not participate in their forthcoming North American tour, following serious allegations concerning his interactions with a teenage fan. The band confirmed the lineup change in a social media statement, revealing that Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav will temporarily fill O’Connor’s role for the tour, which is set to begin in Ojai, California.

The controversy emerged after a Reddit user, identifying themselves as a 17-year-old fan, accused O’Connor of sending sexually explicit content via Instagram direct message. The fan shared screenshots of the exchanges, which included an explicit meme and comments on their bikini photos. According to the accuser, they were 16 years old when the messages were sent, with their birthdate visibly indicated in their Instagram profile.

The initial interaction reportedly included O’Connor sending a sticker and an explicit image. When the fan expressed surprise and suggested that the account might have been compromised, the guitarist allegedly dismissed this, referencing the fan's previous likes and photo posts. The messages were later deleted by O’Connor, though the fan had already documented them.

Further claims by the fan included O’Connor viewing an Instagram Story countdown to their 17th birthday and subsequently sending an apologetic message. These allegations prompted immediate attention and concern within the music community and among Modest Mouse fans.

In response to the accusations, O’Connor issued a detailed statement on the Modest Mouse Reddit forum. He explained that he had mistaken the individual for someone who had previously harassed him using various fake accounts. He admitted to poor judgment in sending the messages, describing his intent as a misguided attempt to confront what he believed was online harassment.

O’Connor emphasized that upon realizing his error, he ceased all communication and deleted the messages. He expressed sincere regret for the distress caused to the fan and reinforced his firm opposition to any sexual conduct involving minors. While he acknowledged that skepticism toward his apology is understandable, he maintained his commitment to truthfulness and accountability.

The band’s official announcement did not elaborate on whether O’Connor’s removal from the tour affects his standing as a band member. O’Connor has been part of Modest Mouse’s touring ensemble since 2021 and contributed to their latest album, "An Eraser and a Maze," released in June.

Modest Mouse, led by frontman Isaac Brock, has been a significant force in indie rock since the early 2000s, notably with their hit "Float On" and the platinum-selling album "Good News for People Who Love Bad News." The current lineup is notably marked by Brock as the sole original member following the passing of drummer Jeremiah Green in 2022.

Details remain limited regarding any further internal actions taken by the band or the management in response to these events. The situation underscores ongoing concerns about conduct and accountability within the music industry, highlighting the challenges artists and fans face in digital communication spaces.