In the wake of more than half a dozen claims of sexual and emotional abuse lodged against Ryan Adams in a New York Times exposé, singer/model Karen Elson has come forward to say that she, too, had a “traumatizing” experience with the singer/songwriter.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“I also had a traumatizing experience with Ryan Adams,” Elson wrote on Instagram on Thursday (Feb. 14). “While I’m not quite brave enough yet to speak about my specifics. I’m encouraged that many women have bonded and helped each other heal.”
Adams’ career appears to be in limbo after a the Times article, which detailed the rocker’s alleged history of misconduct, emotional abuse and manipulative behavior, based on accounts from several female artists, including his ex-wife Mandy Moore and rising indie artist and a former signee to Adams’ label, Phoebe Bridgers.
“This is the power of sisterhood and I’m very grateful for these women. I hope all those speaking out are given the grace and dignity they deserve,” Elson continued. “The trauma that lingers is often a very powerful silencer of women as is the business that enables these men to thrive without ever facing consequences. #metoo #timesup.”
In a caption to the post, Elson added that not every woman feels comfortable sharing their story, a fact we should respect. “These matters are complicated and are hard to dissect, express and even understand,” she wrote.
Reiterating that she isn’t ready to share her experience, Elson called the Times story — which included allegations that Adams engaged in sexually charged behavior in chats with a then 14 year-old aspiring musician — “profoundly healing.”
The Times reported on Thursday that FBI agents from the bureau’s Crimes Against Children New York squad has opened an inquiry into Adams’ communications with the aspiring bassist, who was 14 when the two allegedly struck up an online friendship in 2013. Adams, via a lawyer, has denied ever discussing anything other than music with fans, or engaging in any explicit correspondence with a minor; the FBI has not released any additional information on its investigation. Adams has denied the allegations in the original Times story, calling some of the details “misrepresented,” “exaggerated” and “outright false.”
See Elson’s post below.