Alternative rock legend Ryan Adams has been accused of allegedly using his position of power in the music industry to solicit sexual favors from young, up-and-coming, female musicians in an extensive New York Times report. For the past two decades, Adams has been one of the most influential singer-songwriters in the music industry and has shaped the careers of many artists. He now faces questions over a series of alleged interactions with an underage musician through text as well as other accusations from other musicians including Phoebe Bridgers and his ex-wife Mandy Moore.
In addition to the allegations made by a young fan and bass player named Ava who was 14 when she first met Adams, several women have come forward and painted a picture of Adams as a jealous and manipulative partner. In total the New York Times claims there are seven women and more than a dozen associates who “described a pattern of manipulative behavior in which Adams dangled career opportunities while simultaneously pursuing female artists for sex.”
Adams has often been an enthusiastic supporter of younger female musicians, often offering to help them gain a foothold in the industry. Ava began performing when she was 9 years old, playing the bass at major performances by the time she was a teen. The natural skill and passion she had for playing the bass is what initially led her into contact with Adams, who seemed to hold the keys to fame and fortune for the young girl. As time went on, however, she alleges their conversations became increasing sexual.
Ava alleges she was victimized for years by Adams and said the two skirted around the fact that she was a minor. According to the NYT report, Adams would frequently ask her about her age, to which she admitted she’d say she was older – she also says she never provided any identification to prove her age. According to texts seen by the NYT, Adams wrote ‘i would get in trouble if someone knew we talked like this.’ in November of 2014.
His accusers allege that Adams manipulated their hopes and aspirations to get them to engage in sexual acts. When rejected, Bridgers alleged that Adams could turn angry and vengeful and alleged he even threatened to kill himself. Adams’ ex-wife, the singer and actress Mandy Moore, has also said in the past that he used music to control people and manipulate them into following him.
Adams has responded to the allegations on Twitter. He admits that he’s made mistakes (likely alluding to the less-serious accusations from Bridgers and his ex-wife) but emphatically denies the accusations made by Ava, saying “I would never have inappropriate relations with someone I thought was underage. Period.” and colors the article as misleading and misrepresenting.
Singer-songwriter Liz Phair was asked about her take on the accusations. She had been working on a double album with Adams as recently as two years ago. In the tweet, she indicates that the record ended.
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