Bassnectar Sex Abuse Case Won’t Go to Trial After Two Sides Reach Settlement

A lawsuit accusing Bassnectar (born Lorin Ashton) of sexually abusing three underage girls has been settled ahead of trial.

According to court documents filed in U.S. District Court in Tennessee on Tuesday (Feb. 18), the case against the electronic music producer was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled, after the two sides reached a confidential agreement.

Plaintiffs Rachel Ramsbottom, Alexis Bowling and Jenna Houston filed the lawsuit in 2021, when they alleged that Ashton used his “power and influence to groom and ultimately sexually victimize underage girls.” The plaintiffs claimed that the producer would invite the minors to his shows and pay them “large sums of cash and other items of value” in exchange for sex. He was accused of sex trafficking, child pornography and negligence.

Ashton continued to deny the claims from the suit and his attorneys asked a judge to dismiss the case in November. But the judge denied the motion the following month and ruled the case could proceed toward a trial in February, though he did dismiss some aspects of the case.

Ashton and the plaintiffs released a joint statement through their attorneys following Tuesday’s dismissal. “This legal process has been long and difficult, with all parties already having endured a tremendous amount of strain on their personal and professional lives,” the statement reads. “As such, they have amicably decided to resolve this matter and move on in peace. Plaintiffs wish Lorin Ashton and the Bassnectar Community a bright future and Lorin Ashton wishes the Plaintiffs a bright future.”

“I am relieved to be able to put this behind me once and for all,” Ashton told Billboard when reached for comment. “To be clear, I did not engage in any of the wrongdoing of which I was accused in this lawsuit. I have never abused or assaulted anyone in any way, shape or form. I have also never been charged with any crimes. This process has been long and exhausting, and I am excited to get back to doing what I love most: making music and art for the world to enjoy.”