Joseph Seiders, the drummer for the Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers, has been arrested on serious charges related to child pornography. The band quickly announced that they are severing all ties with him following the shocking news.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s office reported that Seiders was taken into custody after a complaint was made about suspicious behavior at a Chick-fil-A in Palm Desert, California. On April 7, an 11-year-old boy told authorities that a man had recorded him while he was in the bathroom. Two days later, Seiders was spotted entering and leaving the restroom with juvenile males, prompting law enforcement to investigate further.
When deputies arrived, they identified Seiders, 44, and arrested him. A search of his home, vehicle, and cell phone uncovered evidence linking him to both the incident at the restaurant and other crimes, including child pornography.
Seiders is now facing multiple charges, including possession of child pornography, annoying or molesting a child, and invasion of privacy. He is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility with a bail set at $1 million. His court appearance is scheduled for April 22.
In response to the arrest, The New Pornographers expressed their shock and devastation on Instagram. They stated, “Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders — and we have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”
The New Pornographers, known for their catchy power pop sound and harmonies, formed in 1997 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Despite their provocative name, their music often explores deep emotions through clever wordplay. The band now faces a challenging moment as they distance themselves from their former member amidst these serious allegations.
