Bassnectar, EDM Dj and music producer (real name Lorin Ashton), stepped back from the spotlight last summer amid some allegations about horrendous allegations surrounded him and underage girls. Now a lawsuit has been filed in Nashville against him on behalf of two plaintiffs who say he used his influence to get them to send nude photos while they were underage and that he groomed them to perform sex acts.
In United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee the suit was filed on behalf of Rachel Ramsbottom and Alexis Bowling against Ashton, Amorphus Music, Bassnectar Touring, Redlight Management, C3 Presents LLC and Interactive Giving Fund. The two are seeking “all available” compensatory and punitive damages.
Among the allegations against Bassnectar and his management/touring companies from the lawsuit:
- in general, it says he used “his power and influence to groom and ultimately sexually victimize underage girls.”
- the dj found them on Twitter and reached out to them while encouraging the girls to watch American Beauty (a film about a middle aged man having a relationship with a high school aged girl)
- they accuse him of controlling them by: not letting them leave hotel rooms, not allowing them to answer the phone, demanding they keep the relationship secret, and having unprotected sex with them
- Rachel Ramsbottom, one of the plaintiffs claims Ashton reached out to her after she tweeted about a canceled show. Her wanted to meet up with her after a Nashville show, but she didn't. She goes on to say he manipulated her by portraying himself as a mentor and friend. They exchanged contact info and they talked for the next couple months.
- The lawsuit says he wanted to celebrate her birthday here in 2013. He invited her to his hotel room (while knowing she was underage) and kept her there for 4 days and asked her to hide while room service was around.
- In 2020, the suit says Ashton and Ramsbottom talked after their deeds had become public conversation. During that confrontation, it said she brought up his "trafficking" and "statutory rape". The suit says he admitted what he did was “so inappropriate” and his actions were “completely wrong.”
- Ramsbottom also says Ashton spoke about how his actions were illegal and could land him in jail.
Here are the claims from the other defendant, Alexis Bowling of Kentucky:
- he flew her all over the country while he toured, but made he stay in the hotel room.
- he had sex with her on these hotel visits in 10 states over several years
Last July he released a statement on Facebook, saying “The rumors you are hearing are untrue, but I realize some of my past actions have caused pain and I am deeply sorry,”.
He also tweeted his "own romantic relationships and interactions have been positive, consensual, legal and loving.”