And a friend who wanted to remain anonymous added: "The fact that he finally spoke to Dave and really told him that he couldn't do this and that he wouldn't do it anymore, that was freeing for him.
"That took f*****g balls. That did take a year of working up the guts to do."
However, a representative for the band insisted Hawkins had never raised such issues.
The spokesperson said: "There was never a 'heart-to-heart' — or any sort of meeting on this topic—with Dave and [Silva Artist Management].
"He never 'informed Dave and [management]' of anything at all like that."
The report also claimed the sticksman lost consciousness on a plane in Chicago in December 2021 - which the band's spokesperson denied - and Red Hot Chili Peppers star Chad Smith claimed it was a turning point for his friend.
He said: "He just said he was exhausted and collapsed, and they had to pump him full of IVs and stuff. He was dehydrated and all kinds of stuff."
And Chad Smith claimed his fellow drummer told him: "I can't do it like this anymore".
Cameron has since issued a statement to his Instagram where he claimed his comments were "taken out of context" and issued an apology for and "participation may have caused harm for those whom I have only the deepest respect and admiration."
