Modest Mouse Removes Guitarist Simon O’Connor from Tour After Allegations of Inappropriate Messages to a Teenager

What Happened?

Modest Mouse, a famous indie rock band, has decided that their guitarist Simon O’Connor will not join them on their upcoming concert tour. This decision came after a 16-year-old fan accused O’Connor of sending her inappropriate messages on social media.

IMPORTANT POINT
The band made the announcement on social media last week, stating simply: "Simon O’Connor will not be joining us on the upcoming tour." They also shared the good news that Seth Jabour (from the band Les Savy Fav) will step in to play guitar instead.

Timeline of Events

1. The Allegations Surface on Reddit

Last month, a 16-year-old female fan posted screenshots on Reddit showing her conversation with O’Connor on Instagram. Here is what she claimed happened:

• She liked some of O’Connor’s Instagram stories (including a countdown to her 17th birthday, which clearly showed her age).
• O’Connor allegedly sent her an "erotic image" followed by multiple direct messages.
• When she responded, O’Connor quickly deleted the message.
• In later messages, he admitted his phone wasn’t hacked and said he "just had a party night and looking at everything with one eye."
• He also appeared to blame her, saying: "But you did blindside me with a gaggle of likes and then very little intro besides bikini pics so we are both to blame."
• A later screenshot showed O’Connor writing: "I did it again."

2. O’Connor’s Response

The next day, O’Connor posted his own statement explaining his side:

• He said he unequivocally opposes any sexual behavior toward minors and that it disgusts him "as a human and a parent."
• He claimed a specific person has been "messing with him" for years by creating fake social media accounts with similar photos.
• After a "long night," he saw a profile interacting with his posts and assumed it was the same troublemaker.
• With "poor judgement," he sent a "tasteless meme" and a sticker reading "Simon calls your bluff" as a sort of "gotcha" moment.
• He realized his mistake within minutes, unsent the messages, and stopped communication.
• He apologized to the recipient, admitting they "didn’t deserve to be put in that position."

3. The Band’s Decision

Shortly after the allegations spread online, Modest Mouse announced O’Connor would not tour with them. They did not provide further details but confirmed Seth Jabour as the replacement guitarist.

Who Is Simon O’Connor?

• Joined Modest Mouse in 2021 (played with them for about 5 years).
• Appears on the band’s latest album: "An Eraser and a Maze."
• Previously toured with the band MGMT.
• The band formed in 1993 with lead singer Isaac Brock, late drummer Jeremiah Green, and bassist Eric Judy.

Key Takeaways

• Modest Mouse removed guitarist Simon O’Connor from their upcoming tour.
• A 16-year-old fan accused him of sending inappropriate Instagram messages (including an erotic image).
• O’Connor claimed he mistook her for a known online harasser and sent a "tasteless meme" as a joke.
• He apologized, deleted the messages, and admitted poor judgment.
• Seth Jabour (of Les Savy Fav) will play guitar on the tour instead.
• O’Connor played on the band’s newest album, "An Eraser and a Maze."

Summary

Modest Mouse acted quickly after serious allegations surfaced online. A teenage fan shared screenshots showing guitarist Simon O’Connor sending her inappropriate messages after she interacted with his Instagram stories—her age was visible in her profile. O’Connor responded by explaining he believed he was messaging a longtime online harasser using a fake account, not a real fan. He admitted his actions were a mistake, apologized, and deleted the messages. The band chose to continue the tour without him, bringing in Seth Jabour as the new touring guitarist. The situation highlights how seriously the music industry now treats allegations involving minors and online conduct.

FAQ

1. Why was Simon O’Connor removed from the tour?

He was accused of sending inappropriate direct messages—including an erotic image—to a 16-year-old fan on Instagram. The band announced he would not join the upcoming tour shortly after the allegations went public.

2. What did Simon O’Connor say in his defense?

He claimed he mistook the girl for a person who had been harassing him for years using fake accounts. He said he sent a "tasteless meme" as a "gotcha" joke, realized his error within minutes, unsent the messages, and apologized.

3. Who is replacing Simon O’Connor on guitar?

Seth Jabour, guitarist for the band Les Savy Fav, will fill in for the tour.

4. Did Simon O’Connor play on the band’s new album?

Yes. He appears on Modest Mouse’s latest album, "An Eraser and a Maze."

5. Has the band commented further on the situation?

As of the article’s publication, Modest Mouse representatives had not responded to requests for additional comment beyond their social media announcement.