Sid Wilson fired from Slipknot; guitarist Jim Root casts doubt on reports

According to a TMZ report released on Friday, Sid Wilson, the DJ and keyboardist for the heavy‑metal outfit Slipknot, has been “officially out” of the band. The outlet said Wilson was informed on Friday afternoon that he had been permanently removed from the group, though neither the band nor Wilson has issued an official statement to confirm or deny the claim. Slipknot’s own social media accounts and website remain silent on any lineup changes as of the time of writing.

In the wake of the TMZ story, guitarist Jim Root posted a cryptic message on Instagram urging fans not to jump to conclusions. Root wrote, “Don’t believe everything you read. Think. Take a breath. Sit with it for a while. Maybe. Just maybe even wait until there’s more information.” His comment did not directly address the departure, but it suggested that the situation may not be as clear-cut as early reports imply.

TMZ’s article cited an unnamed source with “direct knowledge” of the band, but the reason for Wilson’s alleged firing was left unexplained. The piece also mentioned Wilson’s recent split from his fiancée, Kelly Osbourne, noting that the personal turmoil could be adding to the difficult time in his professional life. Insiders reportedly said the breakup was amicable and that reconciliation was still possible.

Root’s post has left Slipknot fans perplexed, as it neither confirms nor refutes the TMZ claim. Lambgoat noted that while the message doesn’t deny the news, it also offers no new insight into Wilson’s status. The band’s official channels continue to list Wilson’s Instagram bio as “@slipknot gang since 1997,” indicating he may still be associated with the group in some capacity.

Had the departure been confirmed, it would mark another significant lineup change for the Iowa‑based band. Wilson joined Slipknot in 1998 and was one of the nine founding members that helped the group achieve international fame with its self‑titled debut album in 1999. Slipknot has a history of high‑profile departures, most notably the death of bassist Paul Gray.