Michael Smith, who’s been the drummer for Trapt since 2018, has quit the band due to disagreements with the politics of lead singer Chris Taylor Brown.

In an Instagram post over the weekend, Smith wrote, “After playing drums for Trapt for the past couple years, I have decided to step down from the band…there have been some ongoing issues (primarily political) throughout 2020 that many of you may know about, others may not. If you’re curious, it’s just a google search away.”

“I respect everyone’s right to have an opinion on politics. But at the end of the day, I am a musician and my job is to play and create music. So that is what I plan on doing,” he continued. 

He then added, “The stances taken, and publicity received as a result are not representative of myself. Not as an individual, nor fitting or aligned with my personal morals and beliefs. I do not agree with how certain things have been handled towards our fans and the music community who I have such an immense respect for. “

Thanking fans and supporters, Smith concluded, “When it comes down to it, I do not agree with a lot of things morally and the publicity the band has received, mainly this past year in 2020…It is time for me to move on and pursue other avenues and projects.“

Brown had been using Trapt’s social media to broadcast his pro-MAGA beliefs, and according to Consequence of Sound, both their Facebook and Twitter accounts were suspended recently.  The Facebook ban came after a pro-Proud Boys post, while Twitter banned them for a post that appeared to condone statutory rape.

Brown had also called for the firing of Dr. Anthony Fauci, calling him a member of the “Deep State.”

By Andrea Dresdale
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