Orri Páll Dyrason leaves Sigur Rós following sexual assault allegation

Sigur Rós drummer Orri Páll Dyrason has announced that he’s leaving the band amid recent allegations of sexual assault made against him.

Taking to his Facebook page, he says: “I have decided to leave Sigur Rós. That is a difficult decision for me, but I cannot have these serious allegations influence the band and the important and beautiful work that has been done there for the last years. A job that is so dear to me.

“I will do anything in my power to get myself out of this nightmare, but out of respect for those actually suffering from sexual violence, I will not take that fight public.”

The band have confirmed the news on their official Facebook page, writing: “In the wake of the extremely serious and personal allegations made against him in recent days we have today accepted the resignation of our bandmate Orri Páll Dyrason to allow him to deal with this privately.”

View the statements below.