Modest Mouse removes guitarist Simon O’Connor from North American tour after misconduct allegations

Modest Mouse has announced that guitarist Simon O’Connor will not join the band on its upcoming North American tour following allegations that he sent inappropriate Instagram messages to a teenage fan.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Friday, the band said O’Connor would be replaced by Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav for the tour, which begins Tuesday in Ojai, California. The group did not explain O’Connor’s absence or clarify whether he remains a member.

The decision follows allegations made by a Reddit user who said they were 16 at the time of the messages. The user shared screenshots they claimed showed O’Connor sending a sexually explicit meme and commenting on their social media posts. They also said their date of birth was listed on their Instagram profile.

O’Connor denied any inappropriate intent in a statement posted Monday on the Modest Mouse subreddit. He said he mistakenly believed the account belonged to someone who had repeatedly harassed him online using fake profiles. He said he deleted the messages after realizing his mistake, apologized to the recipient, and stated that he "unequivocally" opposes any sexual behavior involving minors.

O’Connor joined Modest Mouse’s touring lineup in 2021 and appears on the band’s latest album, An Eraser and a Maze, released in June. The band, led by founding member Isaac Brock, is set to begin its North American tour as scheduled.