Country singer-songwriter Jimmie Allen was accused of rape and sexual battery by his anonymous former manager. Today, his record label, BBR Music, has reportedly suspended their contract with the singer. The label released a statement that read “In light of today’s allegations against Jimmie Allen, BBR Music Group has decided to suspend all activity with him, effective immediately.”
Allen’s manager accused the singer of raping her repeatedly over an 18-month period. The Jane Doe will bring the case to court in Tennessee, and she will also sue her former employer, who she alleges knew of the abuse. Wide Open Music allegedly fired Allen’s previous manager, also a woman, who defended a different female label employee the singer was allegedly harassing. The company’s founder, Ash Bowers, allegedly told the Jane Doe that the singer was known to push sexual boundaries, but called him “promiscuous but harmless.”
The suit was first reported by Variety. Amid the alleged abuse, Allen, an “American Idol” alum, cultivated a family-friendly image and hosted last year’s ACM Awards alongside Dolly Parton. A year later, tonight marks the 2023 ACM Awards, and Allen finds himself without a label, mid-divorce proceedings, and dropped from the upcoming CMA Fest. At CMA Fest, Allen was set to headline alongside country legends Tim McGraw and more.
Social Media Reactions
Allen’s allegations are starting conversations about the ethics of the country music industry. Historically, some country music has been associated with conservative Christian ideals. Music industry workers in Nashville are acknowledging the abuse that is often swept under the rug at local labels and management firms.
between the Jimmie Allen news and reading an email about the male country artist who asked me to lay down on a bed to interview him at CRS getting resigned to a country label deal… I gotta step away from work for a minute
— Lorie Liebig (@lorieliebig) May 11, 2023
Despite the Me Too and Time’s Up Movements massively impacting the film industry, many argue that music has seen less progress in protections for women.
I’ve seen abusers be protected and championed in this industry time and time again. And it ain’t gotten better with time. People are just better at hiding it.
— Lorie Liebig (@lorieliebig) May 11, 2023
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Allen’s wife, Alexis Allen, filed for divorce from the singer just before the allegations broke. Prior to today’s news, Alexis posted to her social media accounts about “third parties” and “chaos.” The alleged abuse of his manager occurred during their marriage.
Jimmie Allen's Wife Alexis Posted About 'Chaos' and 'Third Parties' Before Assault Allegations Against Singer https://t.co/DnZJxJmeJo
— People (@people) May 11, 2023
Many are sharing words of support for the anonymous alleged abuse survivor.
There is a Jane Doe in all of us. My heart hurts for her, but I’m so glad she spoke up for all the women who didn’t have the chance to. https://t.co/QmiEzgsexN
— Alison Bonaguro (@alisonbonaguro) May 11, 2023
Others are calling out Allen over his fabricated family-first image.
just gonna leave this here. you are trash @jimmieallen pic.twitter.com/iAIVC71Waj
— hailey (@hoodrathailey) May 11, 2023
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Allen’s Response
The singer responded to Variety in a statement that read “It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever.” Allen appeared to confirm the affair, but deny the rape allegations.
The lawsuit is to be tried in Tennessee federal court, but a date for the trial is yet to be announced.
