Banjo player for Mumford & Sons Winston Marshall has left the band after months of being berated on social media because he tweeted support of a right-wing political commentator.

Since then, he’s had a slew of hate spewed in his direction. He read up on the book’s author and learned some unsettling things, and I won’t lie, some unsettling things have happened to the author. Winston, unfortunately, didn’t know that if you’ve messed up, the worst thing you can do is attempt to apologize and retract what you said, like a good-faith gesture. You know, like how any sane person would.

Instead, all that happened is more hate directed at him, his family, his bandmates and their families. None of them had anything to do with the situation but were now involved.

The number of slurs and general disturbing hate and threats directed at them was too much for their families. Nevertheless, they stuck together like brothers and offered Winston the opportunity to stay in the band. Winston declined and chose instead to leave, afraid of not being able to be himself online. Moreso, he didn’t want to endanger his friends and their families, which is what makes me respect him to no end.

You can read his full essay on why he is leaving Mumford & Sons here by following this link.

What lies next for Winston is uncertain, but I look forward to hearing more from both him and Mumford & Sons.