Controversial DJ and producer Bassnector Seeks to Dismiss Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Despite the efforts of Bassnector, the sexual abuse lawsuit against him, filed in a Tennessee district court in April 2021, is set to proceed to trial in February.
The original plaintiffs, Rachel Ramsbottom and Alexis Bowling, allege that Bassnectar (real name Lorin Ashton) engaged in sexual relations with them when they were both 17. A third plaintiff, Jenna Houston, who joined the lawsuit a month later, claims that Ashton had relations with her when she was just 16.
In November, Ashton’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the plaintiffs misled him into believing they were of legal age to consent. Recently, US District Judge Aleta Trauger partially rejected this motion in a detailed 54-page ruling.
Judge Trauger noted that “a jury presented with these facts” would be most capable of making an informed decision on the majority of claims in the lawsuit. However, two claims have been dismissed due to lack of evidence, specifically that Ashton used force or coercion to traffic the plaintiffs or that he engaged in commercial sex with Ramsbottom after she turned 18.
“Our clients are very pleased that the court agreed this case deserves to be heard by a jury,” stated the plaintiffs’ attorney, M. Stewart Ryan. “Rachel, Alexis, and Jenna are eager for their day in court as part of their pursuit of justice.”
Ashton’s lawyers also expressed satisfaction with the ruling. They stated, “The judge’s decision to dismiss multiple causes of action is significant, and while the law allows other claims to proceed, the evidence supporting them is minimal. This marks an important step forward, and we anticipate Lorin Ashton’s exoneration at trial.”
