A woman accused country muyesIntegrated circuitjimmie allen tar of sexual assault and harassment while working as her manager for two years, according to a federal lawsuit filed Thursday.
The 25-year-old said she graduated magna cum laude college and was hired by management group Wide Open Music as Allen’s day-to-day manager, according to the complaint field in Tennessee.
The company allegedly knew Allen was a threat to subordinates and failed to «protect her from the extreme sexual harassment, abuse, grooming and manipulation she would endure to keep her job,» the lawsuit claims.
Beginning in May 2020, «Allen openly and publicly sexually harassed Plaintiff by making comments about her status as a single woman, her innocence, and how attractive she looked,» the civil action continued. «She did it from the stage, in front of the production team and the audience. During post-performance briefings, Allen would ask the plaintiff personal sexual questions, even if she was a virgin.»
She said Allen sexually assaulted her after a March 2021 filming of «American Idol» while «she was incapacitated and unable to consent,» the lawsuit says.
The woman went to a supervisor last October and «revealed that she had been raped and sexually assaulted, told him she couldn’t take Allen’s abuse anymore,» but instead of «reassigning» her, the company put her on leave before firing her. . her, according to her civil action.
Allen admitted to having a sexual relationship with the plaintiff, but denied any wrongdoing.
“It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I consider to be one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidantes makes allegations that have no truth. I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship, one that lasted almost two years,» Allen said in a statement.
«During that time, he never accused me of any crime and spoke of our relationship and friendship as something he wanted to continue indefinitely.»
The artist insists that the lawsuit was only sparked by their breakup.
«Only after things ended between us did she hire a lawyer to come up and ask for money, which leads me to question her motives,» according to the artist’s statement. «The simple fact is that your allegations are not only false, but also extremely damaging. I have worked incredibly hard to build my career and I intend to mount a vigorous defense of your claims and take all other legal action necessary to protect my reputation. .»
The plaintiff’s attorney, Elizabeth Fegan, disputed Allen’s claim that the accuser asked for money. The lawsuit did not list a dollar amount requested by the plaintiff.
“All we asked of Allen and his legal counsel was to meet to discuss Allen’s behavior and the resolution of our client’s claims. At no time did our client make a monetary demand,” Fegan said in a statement.
«The answer was a resounding no, and it was colored with threats that your team would take action to publicly tarnish my client. My client had no choice but to be proactive in protecting himself by coming forward.»
The lawsuit drew immediate fallout as Allen’s label, BBR Music Group, said it was, at least for now, parting ways with the artist.
«In light of today’s allegations against Jimmie Allen, BBR Music Group has decided to cease all activity with him, effective immediately,» the label said.
His representatives at United Talent Agency (UTA) also said they would suspend their work with Allen.
«We have suspended our representation of Jimmie Allen due to the recent allegations against him, which we take seriously,» a company spokesperson said.
And Allen was scheduled to perform in CMA Festival in Nashville next month. But a spokesperson for the Country Music Association told NBC News on Friday that Allen was no longer in the lineup, citing «allegations of sexual abuse by his former manager.»
Wide Open Music was also listed as a co-defendant and a company representative could not immediately be reached for comment.
Just three weeks ago Allen and his wife Alexis «Lexi» Allen filed for divorce because she is pregnant with their third child.
They have daughters Naomi, 3, and Zara, 18 months, and Allen is father to son. adyn8, from a previous relationship.