Jimmie Allen Issues Statement In Response To Rape And Sexual Abuse Allegations
Allen says the claims by his former manager are “deeply troubling and hurtful.”
Jimmie Allen; Photo Courtesy of John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT
Jimmie Allen has issued a statement after his former day-to-day manager filed a lawsuit against the country singer claiming that he assaulted and sexually abused her multiple times over an 18-month period.
In a statement obtained by Variety, Allen called the allegations “deeply troubling and hurtful.” The Delaware native, who was married to Alexis Gale at the time of the alleged rape and other sexual encounters, admitted to having a sexual relationship with the plaintiff. He claimed it was consensual.
“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 said in the statement. “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.”
He went on to claim that the plaintiff’s accusations are “false” and “extremely damaging.”
”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,” he explained. ”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.”
According to a lawsuit filed by a “Jane Doe” on Thursday (May 11) in a Tennessee federal court and obtained by Variety, Allen is accused of manipulating and grooming the plaintiff into an 18-month-long sexually abusive relationship. She is reportedly suing Allen, the management company, Wide Open Music, and Ash Bowers, founder of Wide Open Music.
Jimmie Allen is being sued for “sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, sex trafficking and emotional distress.” While Bowers and Wide Open Music “are being sued for gross negligence and participating in a venture engaged in sex trafficking, among other counts,” according to the outlet.
“Allen allegedly assaulted this woman as they traveled together, groping her breasts on the plane, pushing his erect penis against her body in public and masturbating in front of her at the hotel where they were both staying. Once they left the taping and got into the car, she says he forced his fingers into her vagina while she tried to yank his hand away,” the publication reported.
The events allegedly took place in the 24 hours leading up to his appearance on The Ellen Show in May of 2021.
The lawsuit also says that his former manager claimed that he “rape her while choking her,” “sexually abused her at red lights” on business trips, and “looked at porn on her work computer.” “Jane Doe” also told the outlet that on numerous occasions she said “no” to sexual encounters and often pushed Allen away.
After being forced into intercourse with Allen, “Jane Doe” reported that she would “regularly bleed, cry uncontrollably and run to the bathroom to vomit.” The accuser also told the outlet that Allen filmed many of their sexual encounters in an effort to “blackmail her to stay silent.
The woman, who is in her early 20s and was employed as by the “Freedom Is A Highway” singer’s management company, Wide Open Music, as his day-to-day manager, claims to have reported the verbal harassment to Bowers on multiple occasions. She says she also told Bowers about the alleged rape and sexual abuse. At that point, Wide Open Music reportedly dropped Allen as a client and also terminated her, according to the lawsuit.
“[Jane Doe] was the day-to-day manager for Mr. Allen,” Bowers said in a statement obtained by Variety. “Once Wide Open Music no longer managed Mr. Allen, that role was gone and, furthermore, [the company] has transitioned out of artist management completely.”
Jimmie Allen is a father of three with a baby on the way. In late April, it was revealed that Allen and his wife, Alexis Gale, were separating.
“After much thought and reflection in recent months, Lex & I have made the decision to separate,” Jimmie Allen’s statement read. “As we navigate this life change, we can also share that we will be welcoming another child together later this year. Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved, and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another. In light of our growing family, we respectfully request privacy during this time.”
If you or anyone you know have been a victim of sexual abuse, call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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