While most of Nashville was headed to Texas for last night's ACM Awards, a bomb dropped on Music Row: Jimmie Allen was accused of - and sued over - charges of assault and sexual abuse by a woman, identified only as "Jane Doe," who used to be the day-today manager for the country star.
According to the woman, while she was employed by the singer's management company as Allen's day-to-day manager, Allen allegedly raped her and repeatedly subjected her to sexual abuse and harassment over a period of 18 months. The singer denied all charges and gave a statement:
- "It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever,” Allen says. "I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time, she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely. Only after things ended between us, did she hire a lawyer to reach out and ask for money, which leads me to question her motives. The simple fact is, her accusations are not only false, but also extremely damaging. I’ve worked incredibly hard to build my career, and I intend to mount a vigorous defense to her claims and take all other legal action necessary to protect my reputation."
- The woman's lawyers responded, saying "The only ask we made of Allen and his legal counsel was to meet to discuss Allen’s behavior and resolution of our client’s claims. At no time did our client make a monetary demand. The response was a hard no, and colored with threats that his team would take steps to publicly tarnish my client. My client had no choice but to be proactive in protecting herself by filing the complaint."
- The timing of the lawsuit is compelling; just two weeks ago the singer and his pregnant wife announced they were separating.
- Immediately after the news broke, Allen's label, BBR Music Group, suspended the artist indefinitely. "In light of today’s allegations against Jimmie Allen, BBR Music Group has decided to suspend all activity with him, effective immediately," said a statement from the label.
- Some other immediate fallout: Allen disappeared from the website for June’s CMA Fest in Nashville - the Country Music Association confirmed that the org had removed Allen from the main stage lineup set for Nissan Stadium. And Allen has also been dropped as the commencement speaker for today's Delaware State University's 2023 graduation.
The story is rapidly developing so there should be more from both sides in the coming days and weeks.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: In this image released on July 02; Acclaimed ACM New Male Artist of the Year Award-winning, multi-platinum country music singer-songwriter Jimmie Allen performs from Washington D.C., for A Capitol Fourth which airs on Sunday, July 4th on PBS. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts)