Full Breakdown
Modest Mouse Removes Guitarist Simon O’Connor Amid Online Allegations
8/3/2026, 8:33:00 PM
Core Event
On July 31, the indie rock group Modest Mouse announced on Instagram that guitarist Simon O’Connor would not be joining the band’s upcoming North-American tour. The post added that Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav would replace him for the live dates. The band did not provide a reason for the change or clarify whether O’Connor remains a recording member.
Allegations and Musician’s Response
The removal follows a Reddit post made on July 26 in the band’s fan subreddit, in which a user identified as a 16-year-old claimed O’Connor sent an “erotic image” and followed up with direct messages after the user liked his Instagram stories. The accuser attached screenshots showing an erotic meme and a subsequent apology in which O’Connor said the user “blind-sided” him with “bikini pics.”
He said he realized the mistake within minutes, unsent the messages, and ceased communication, expressing regret for the distress caused.
Band’s Position and Tour Details
Modest Mouse’s Instagram statement simply confirmed O’Connor’s removal and introduced Jabour as the touring guitarist. The band’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY. The 2026 tour is scheduled to run from early August in Ojai, California, through late October in Sacramento, California, encompassing more than 40 North-American stops, including festival appearances at Hoochenanny, Shaky Knees, the Alaska State Fair, and a support slot for My Chemical Romance.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
Fox News reported the Reddit allegations, reproducing the alleged messages and noting that the accuser indicated her age in her handle. Fox News also highlighted O’Connor’s later explanation and apology, while indicating that the band had not provided an official comment. USA TODAY covered the band’s Instagram announcement and the tour schedule, noting the lack of an explicit reason for the lineup change.
Outlook
With the tour proceeding as planned and Jabour confirmed as the live guitarist, Modest Mouse’s upcoming performances will move forward without O’Connor. No further statements from the band or O’Connor have been reported as of the latest coverage.
