Bassnectar announced on Friday (July 3) that he is taking a step back in his career. The DJ and artist, whose real name is Lorin Ashton, shared the news after allegations of sexual misconduct appeared in a Your EDM story and on Instagram, where an account has been collecting complaints. Some of the allegations appear to go back years.
“I am moving away from my career and my position of power and privilege in this community because I want to take responsibility and accountability,” Ashton began in his statement, which he shared on social media. “I have intense compassion for anyone who may have hurt. I really hope that they allow me the opportunity to work together to listen.”
The artist went on to claim that the “rumors” are “false”, but noted: “I realize that some of my past actions have caused pain, and I am very sorry.”
Ashton also announced that he will no longer be involved with the non-profit organization Be Interactive: “I am handing over our non-profit organization Be Interactive to a diverse team to continue without my involvement moving forward.”
Also backing down from Be Interactive after the allegations against Bassnectar came up is Lia Holland, the executive director. “As a survivor of child abuse, I am with female survivors and will resign as CEO of Be Interactive,” she wrote on Twitter on Independence Day.
Musician Mimi Page, who has collaborated with Bassnectar, also shared his support for one of the women after the allegations against Ashton came to light. “As a female contributor to @bassnectar, I am devastated,” Page tweeted on July 4. “For now, I send love, healing and support to the woman who appeared tonight. I send love and healing to fans of this community who have hearts that are also breaking.”
