‘The Neighbourhood’ has fired their drummer Brandon Fried after he faced severe allegations from Maria Zardoya, lead vocalist of the LA-based indie pop band “Marias”. The rock band’s drummer, Brandon faced the first allegation on Sunday (Nov. 13) after Maria posted an Instagram story, narrating his crime.
He is also facing “sexual assault” allegations from multiple women. Soon after he was fired, the drummer issued an apology to Maria and several other women who came forward and alleged that they too are his victims. It’s not clear whether these women are pressing charges against the drummer.
Invasion Of Space, Privacy And Body…
Brandon Fried, who joined “The Neighbourhood” as its drummer in 2011, has been fired from Jesse Rutherford’s rock band after he faced serious allegations from Maria Zardoya from the band “Marias”.
The lead vocalist of the LA-based indie pop band posted an Instagram story: “I was at a bar last night, and I was groped under the table by Brandon fried, the drummer of the neighbourhood. it was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever experienced. I felt an invasion of my space, privacy and body,” Zardoya wrote. She emphasised, “@thenbhd you all need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep.”
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
Shortly after Maria’s allegations, “The Neighbourhood” took to its Instagram story, revealing that they have fired their longtime drummer, who served as a band member since the formation of this rock band. It wrote:
“We are grateful to Maria for coming forward. We have zero tolerance for any kind of inappropriate behaviour towards women. As a result of Brandon’s actions, he will no longer be a member of The Neighbourhood.”
Well, it’s not only Maria who underwent a “creepy” experience. Shortly after her statement, other women came forward via Twitter and Instagram and alleged that they had similar experiences, wherein Brandon “inappropriately” contacted them or “sexually assaulted them.
Fried Releases An Apologetic Statement
After Brandon was fired from “The Neighbourhood”, the 32-year-old drummer released a statement via his personal Instagram story, taking full responsibility for his actions. “I am so terribly sorry to Maria. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable,” he began.
He further mentioned that his actions are “not reflective of who l am as a person”, but clearly a reflection of who I become while under the influence. In the end, the drummer admitted that he must address his problems with alcohol and substance abuse, and pledged to seek help for the same.
After this, Brandon also apologised to other women who “have been victims of any behaviour that he has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated. I am also sorry to The Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down,” he concluded.
Even though the drummer’s actions are inexcusable, the fact that the drummer has taken responsibility for his actions has come out as a positive thing. And well, The Neighbourhood’s prompt action against the disgraced drummer is truly commendable. There is no news yet if these women are pressing charges against the drummer.
Note: If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse or violence, you can contact for help on the RAINN website. You can also make a phone call at 1-800-656-4673.