American rockband The Neighbourhood on Monday cut its all ties with its lead drummer Brandon Fried after he was accused of 'groping' a lead singer of another band. Brandon Fried was accused of sexually assaulting a singer who later came forward and addressed the issue on social media. Zardoya, who is the lead singer of indie pop band The Marías in her Instagram story accused Brandon of groping her. 'I was at a bar last night, and I was groped under the table by Brandon Fried, Zardoya alleged adding that 'It was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever experienced.'
Furthermore, The Marías lead singer added that she felt invasion of her privacy and body. Zardoya went on the mention The Neighbourhood, writing that the rock band 'need[s] a new drummer, [because Fried] is a complete creep'. After Zordaya's public statement, The Neighbourhood sood issued a statement over Brandon Fried groping accusations. In action, The Neighbourhood rockband acted swiftly and praised Zardoya for coming out and speaking against it. Following that, The Neighbourhood announced that it has cut ties with Brandon as they don't tolerate such kinds of behaviour from their band member.
The Neighbourhood responded to Zardoya’s claims via social media, beginning a statement by writing that they were “grateful to Maria for coming forward.” The band – which also includes guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, bassist Mikey Margot and vocalist Jesse Rutherford – then declared they “have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behaviour towards women”.
"We are grateful to Maria for coming forward. We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behavior towards women. As a result of Brandon’s actions, he will no longer be a member of The Neighbourhood," wrote the rock band.
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We are grateful to Maria for coming forward. We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behavior towards women. As a result of Brandon’s actions, he will no longer be a member of The Neighbourhood.
— The Neighbourhood (@thenbhd) November 13, 2022
Brandon Fried apologizes to The Marías and Zardoya
After being sacked and social media criticism, Brandon took to his Instagram handle and posted a letter apologizing to Zardoya for his behavior. Fried, who joined The Neighbourhood in 2014, addressed the allegations in his own statement, first apologising to Zardoya before announcing his intention to seek treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. The drummer also apologised to 'women who have been victims of any behavior that has left them feeling uncomfortable', before expressing regret to his bandmates and fans 'for letting them down'. 'I am so terribly sorry to Maria', Fried’s message opens. 'My actions were inexcusable and intolerable. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly a reflection 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.'