Over the weekend, María Zardoya, lead singer of the Marías, accused the Neighbourhood drummer Brandon Fried of groping her. In an Instagram story shared yesterday, Zardoya wrote: “i was at a bar last night, and i was groped under the table by brandon fried @brandonfried_, 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. @thenbhd ya’ll need a new drummer, this guy is a complete creep.”
The Neighbourhood responded by quickly firing Fried, who had been a member of the Neighbourhood since 2014. “We are grateful to Maria for coming forward,” they wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Fried has issued an apology on his own Instagram stories, writing:
I am so terribly sorry to Maria. My actions were inexcusable and intolerable. They are not reflective of who I am as a person, but clearly reflective of who I become while under the influence.
It is evident that I must address my problems with alcohol and substance abuse, which I am now seeking help for.
I want to apologize to women who have been victims of any behavior that has left them feeling uncomfortable or violated.
I am also sorry to The Neighbourhood and our fans for letting them down.
María Zardoya, lead singer of the Marías, said she was groped by Brandon Fried, the Neighbourhood’s drummer, on Instagram.
She is calling for the band to replace Fried calling him a “complete creep.” pic.twitter.com/iwOrvGwPwm
— Anthony Robledo (@AnthonyARobledo) November 13, 2022
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
— 333 (@kevincastilloo_) November 14, 2022