The banjo player from folk rock group Mumford & Sons said he is taking time away from the band following criticism for praising a conservative writer.
Winston Marshall caused controversy after tweeting support for US journalist Andy Ngo over the weekend.
In a since-deleted post, Marshall said he had read Ngos important book Unmasked: Inside Antifas Radical Plan To Destroy Democracy and praised him as a brave man.
Fans of Mumford & Sons, a chart-topping band formed in London in 2007, were quick to share their disappointment at the endorsement.
One described Marshalls tweet as a dumbfounding endorsement of fascism.
In a statement on Twitter, Marshall, 33, said he is stepping away from the band to examine my blindspots.
He said: Over the past few days I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed. I have offended not only a lot of people I dont know, but also those closest to me, including my bandmates and for that I am truly sorry.
As a result of my actions I am taking time away from the band to examine my blindspots.
Marshall, son of wealthy British investor Sir Paul Marshall, added: For now, please know that I realise how my endorsements have the potential to be viewed as approvals of hateful, divisive behaviour. I apologise, as this was not at all my intention.
Ngos book Unmasked claims to expose a violent extremist movement. Critics say it inflates the size and threat of the left-wing antifa movement, which was a frequent target of Donald Trump.
The Los Angeles Times describes the book as supremely dishonest.
Close
Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford and Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA)
Winston Marshall has stepped back from folk rock band Mumford and Sons following criticism for tweeting support of a controversial writer (Ian West/PA)
The remaining members of Mumford & Sons are Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane. Their best-known songs include I Will Wait and Little Lion Man.
Representatives for the band have been contacted for comment.
PA Media
The banjo player from folk rock group Mumford & Sons said he is “taking time away from the band” following criticism for praising a conservative writer.
