Ryan Adams Accused Of Emotional Abuse And Sexual Misconduct

A report from the New York Times alleges that American singer/songwriter Ryan Adams offered female musicians, one of whom was 14 when she began corresponding with Adams, professional gains while also making sexual advances.

The report is based off of interviews with seven women, including artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and Adam's ex-wife Mandy Moore, and contains allegations of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct by the artists. Adams denies the allegations and wrote on Twitter that the article was "upsettingly inaccurate."

Adams is well-known for engaging with fans on social media and online. One such fan was 14-year-old aspiring musician Ava, who was identified by her middle name in the report.

Her correspondence with Adams lasted until she was 16, and Adams allegedly sent Ava graphic texts and eventually exposed himself while they were video chatting.

According to the report, at one point Adams texted her "i would get in trouble if someone knew we talked like this," while in another text he wrote "If people knew they would say I was like R Kelly lol," seemingly aware that Ava was underage.

Another allegation comes from Adams' ex-wife, actress and musician Mandy Moore.

Moore told the paper that Adams' effectively took control of her career through a series of maneuvers and promises that he would help her produce new music. Adams behavior became progressively more emotionally abusive toward her and stifled her career growth.

Yet another allegation comes from musician Phoebe Bridgers, said Adams offered to produce music with her and discussed her touring with him. According to Bridgers, in the following weeks Adams became more manipulative and controlling, eventually rescinding his offer to tour when the relationship ended.

After the breakup, Adams yet again offered Bridgers to open on a few tour dates, an opportunity she couldn't pass up. On the first day of tour, Bridgers was asked to come to Adams hotel room, where he was "completely nude."

Adams took to Twitter to deny the allegations:

But the picture that this article paints is upsettingly inaccurate. Some of its details are misrepresented; some are exaggerated; some are outright false. I would never have inappropriate interactions with someone I thought was underage. Period.

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) February 13, 2019

As someone who has always tried to spread joy through my music and my life, hearing that some people believe I caused them pain saddens me greatly. I am resolved to work to be the best man I can be. And I wish everyone compassion, understanding and healing.

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) February 13, 2019