Joe Seiders: Drummer of New Pornographers Arrested for Child Pornography Possession

Joe Seiders, the American drummer of the Canadian indie rock band New Pornographers, was arrested by authorities. According to a statement released by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in California, as reported by The Guardian, two incidents involved Seiders. On Monday, April 7, 2025, an 11-year-old boy reported that a man attempted to video him in a fast-food restaurant restroom. Two days later, on Wednesday, April 9, another report came from the same restaurant stating that a man was seen ‘entering and exiting the restroom with minors.’ Authorities arrested Seiders at the scene and secured search warrants for his home, vehicle, and phone. Evidence linking him to both incidents, along with possession of child pornography, was discovered. Seiders is currently being held on a $1 million bail and is expected to appear in court on April 22. The New Pornographers issued a statement saying: ‘Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, terrified, 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 affected by his actions.’ Led by A.C. Newman and featuring Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Neko Case, the band has been a staple in the North American indie music scene since their debut album ‘Mass Romantic’ in 2000. Former member Dan Bejar, known as Destroyer, also contributed to the band’s legacy. Their biggest chart success came with the 2014 album ‘Brill Bruisers,’ which reached No. 13 in the U.S. charts, after longtime drummer Kurt Dahle left and was replaced by Seiders.