Rachel Ramsbottom, Alexis Bowling, and Jenna Houston have officially dismissed their lawsuit against Bassnectar after nearly four years.
A sexual abuse lawsuit against Bassnectar and two affiliated companies was dismissed today, February 18, according to filings in the US District Court of Tennessee. The plaintiffs are Rachel Ramsbottom, Alexis Bowling, and Jenna Houston.
The lawsuit accused Bassnectar (real name Lorin Ashton) of grooming and coercing the plaintiffs into sexual acts and sending explicit photos while they were minors. It also alleged that he compensated them between $300 and $1,600, which could be interpreted as human trafficking. Initially, only Ramsbottom and Bowling were listed as plaintiffs, with Houston and an anonymous Jane Doe joining in the subsequent month.
Significantly, the lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice,” indicating that the case cannot be reopened due to a private agreement reached between both parties.
“This legal journey has been lengthy and arduous, with all involved experiencing considerable strain on their personal and professional lives,” stated a joint message from the legal representatives of both sides. “Consequently, they have mutually decided to resolve this matter and move forward in peace. The plaintiffs wish Lorin Ashton and the Bassnectar Community a prosperous future, and Lorin Ashton extends the same wishes to the plaintiffs.”
Ashton told Billboard, “I am relieved to finally put this behind me. To clarify, I did not engage in any of the misconduct alleged in this lawsuit. I have never abused or assaulted anyone. Furthermore, I have never been charged with any crimes. This process has been exhausting, and I am eager to return to what I love most: creating music and art for everyone to enjoy.”
The dismissal comes after a motion to dismiss filed by Ashton in December, where he claimed the plaintiffs misrepresented their ages. At that time, a judge partially rejected the motion, indicating the case was set to go to trial this month.
The lawsuit originated after Ashton, who has performed as Bassnectar since 2002, stepped back from the public eye in 2020 following allegations of sexual abuse made on the Instagram account @evidenceagainstbassnectar. The controversy not only affected the civil case but also led to the cancellation of events in Atlanta and Las Vegas in the past year.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, here are resources for support:
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline to assist victims and their families. Their services are confidential and free: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) (Available 24 hours a day via phone and by online chat).
Relief After Violent Encounter (RAVE) is an organization that can assist in finding counseling and therapy after a violent incident. RAVE also offers a domestic and sexual violence Emergency Response Team that is deployed through law enforcement to provide immediate crisis intervention to victims following an assault.
