Following allegations emerging regarding sexual misconduct among underage women, Bassnectar has announced he will be taking a step back from music, at this point in time we are not sure for how long or whether it will be permanent. He will also hand over his nonprofit Be Interactive to the rest of his team.
There has been a number of stories and allegations regarding sexual assault and abuse regarding electronic artists recently, such as graves.
“I am stepping back from my career and I am stepping down from my position of power and privilege in this community because I want to take responsibility and accountability,” he wrote. “I feel intense compassion for anyone I may have hurt. I truly hope you allow me a chance to work together toward healing.”
“The rumors you are hearing are untrue, but I realize some of my past actions have caused pain, and I am deeply sorry,” he continued. “I am handing off our nonprofit Be Interactive to a diverse team to continue without my involvement moving forward. Sometime in the future I may share more thoughts on these matters, but for now, please take care of each other and I wish you all the brightest future.”
The announcement comes after mounting evidence from victims has come forward, largely collated on the Instagram @evidenceagainstbassnectar.
Bassnectar first acknowledged the allegations earlier this week when he posted to a private Facebook group. At the time, he said, “The rumors of sexual misconduct that are circulating about me are completely untrue. I want to leave it at that, because it truly is that simple. I have never been involved in anything that was not absolutely, unequivocally consensual. During a time when high profile men are being called out for their violence against women, I am proud to be an ally of women and stand in solidarity with victims. Thank you to all those who are listening to real victims of abuse and standing to support women.”
Bassnectar has both denied the allegations and taken a step back from the industry, which are contraindicating actions. He does however admit that his “past actions have caused pain”, whether that’s referencing different actions or the ones that have come to light recently.
