Simple Plan’s Bassist David Desrosiers Leaves Band Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

This bassist is in hot water. Simple Plan's David Desrosiers recently announced that he's leaving the band following sexual misconduct allegations from women on social media. The Canadian has been with the band for 20 years except for a brief hiatus in 2017.

This article contains graphic content that might not be suitable for some readers.

In his post on Instagram, Desrosiers wrote, "Recent public statements have led me to acknowledge that some of the interactions I have had with women have caused them harm."

He continued, "I have decided to withdraw from the band and seek professional help to educate myself and act appropriately in the future. I am truly sorry for the harm I have caused to these women."

Simple Plan's official Instagram followed with a similar statement that declares the 39-year-old is leaving to work on his own personal issues. 

"We offer our deepest apologies to the women who were hurt by his actions," the band wrote. "We are also sorry for all our fans who are disappointed by this regretful situation. We will, as a band, take time to pause, reflect and put in place guidelines to prevent similar situations from happening."

On Instagram, one person wrote: "He started making inappropriate jokes when I was a minor. Once I became of legal age he started pursuing me for sex," the post reads. 

The user said she was "put on the spot" and didn’t say anything, though the bassist threatened to go to the police because she had spoken up about his behaviour. She added that if she refused to sleep with him, he would "belittle [her]."

"He picks his victims from his fanbase, that way they stay quiet and believe the way he treats them is normal."

That post was added to a Reddit thread, sparking other people to speak up about their experiences.

"I've noticed that he's got a type of girl that he plays his show for," one post reads. "He focuses on a couple girls and makes sure they get his guitar picks and different sh*t like that. Then he finds them after the show and flirts."

Another user said they saw him at a soundcheck party with a fan: "He was ridiculously flirty/handsy with her and even though she was totally a fan, it still felt uncomfortable."

One fan wrote that they saw the band perform in Australia where the Montreal-born musician "invited 2 young looking girls that had flashed the bland back stage.... i hoped for a lecture, but it doesn't look like it".

According to Music Mayhem Magazine, in 2017 Desrosiers took a two-year break from the band back due to mental health issues. He eventually rejoined the group in 2019.

This article contains descriptions of sexual assault, which may trigger some readers. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, call the Assaulted Women's Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 or find them online here. You can also contact the Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault at 1-866-887-0015 or online here. For a list of resources by province, go here.