Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers has reacted to news of their drummer, Joseph Seiders, being arrested for possession of child pornography by immediately cutting ties with him.
A press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s office said that Seiders was arrested after a call was placed on April 7, asserting suspicious activity at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Palm Desert, California. Officers took a statement from an 11-year-old boy who told them that an “unknown male adult” had recorded him on a cell phone while he was using the bathroom.
Then, on April 9, a man was seen entering and exiting the restroom at the same Chick-fil-A, accompanied by juvenile males.
“Believing the male was the suspect from the previous incident, law enforcement was contacted. Upon arrival, deputies located the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Joseph Seiders of Palm Desert, and took him into custody,” the release said.
Officers conducted an investigation and served search warrants on Seiders’ residence, vehicle, and cell phone, where they reportedly found evidence implicating Seiders in both incidents at the fast food restaurant and “additional crimes,” including the possession of child pornography.
Seiders was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, California, for possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy, the press release said. The drummer is being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility with bail set at $1 million. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 22.
The band The New Pornographers addressed the incident on Instagram, writing, “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 are a Canadian indie rock band formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1997. They’re known for their power pop sound, harmonies, and collaborative approach, which often includes multiple lead singers. Despite their name, their songs are usually not risque, but rather use wordplay to convey deep emotion.
