Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Simon O’Connor Dropped From Modest Mouse Tour
Developed over time first seen 4 months ago
Simon O’Connor was removed from Modest Mouse’s forthcoming tour dates after he publicly apologised for sending inappropriate Instagram messages to an underage fan. The decision means Les Savy Fav guitarist Seth Jabour will take his place, and reflects the band’s response to allegations involving O’Connor’s contact with a minor.
The matter came to light when a 17-year-old fan posted screenshots on the r/ModestMouse subreddit, saying O’Connor had messaged them when they were 16 and their birth date was visible on their profile. The exchange reportedly included a sexually explicit meme; O’Connor said he had believed the account was run by a frequent troll, but apologised to the recipient for the messages and the resulting stress and attention.
- Sources
- 2
- Outlets
- 2
- Left · Centre · Right
- 0 · 0 · 0
In short
- Modest Mouse removed Simon O’Connor from its tour.
- Seth Jabour will replace him on guitar.
- O’Connor apologised over messages sent to an underage fan.
How this story developed
- 4 months ago Guitarist Simon O’Connor has been removed from Modest Mouse’s forthcoming tour dates after apologising publicly for sending inappropriate Instagram messages to an underage fan.
- 4 months ago Simon O’Connor was removed from Modest Mouse’s forthcoming tour dates after he publicly apologised for sending inappropriate Instagram messages to an underage fan.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Protecting children from sexual exploitation is paramount, and adults who send explicit material to minors must face serious professional consequences. The birth date was publicly visible on the profile, making ignorance of the person's age untenable. Removal serves both accountability and necessary deterrence, maintaining safety standards within fan communities and demonstrating that such breaches of power and trust carry real costs.
The case against
O'Connor's genuine apology acknowledges serious wrongdoing and distinguishes this from unrepentant conduct, suggesting a possible isolated failure rather than systematic predation. Permanent career removal may be disproportionate when other meaningful consequences—counselling, public apology, temporary absence—could address the harm whilst preserving space for genuine rehabilitation. Online confusion about account identity is real, and proportional justice should allow for redemption even after serious mistakes.
Explained simply
Modest Mouse are an American indie rock band formed in the 1990s, best known for songs including Float On. The group has continued to tour with a changing line-up of musicians alongside its founding singer and guitarist, Isaac Brock.
Simon O’Connor is a guitarist who had been part of the band’s touring line-up. Allegations involving contact with an underage fan raise questions about safeguarding, professional conduct and who is permitted to take part in public performances.