DJ/Producer Bassnectar (Lorin Ashton) announced an indefinite hiatus from his performance career, as well as his non-profit organization, Be Interactive, on Friday after allegations of sexual misconduct against him began to surface earlier in the week.
The allegations first arose publicly when an Instagram account @evidenceagainstbassnectar was created on June 28th and has generated significant interest since, with over 8,000 followers as of July 3rd. A number of the postings include alleged screenshots of private conversations between Ashton and female fans as well as numerous allegations of Ashton inappropriately contacting fans who were underage at the time.
While Ashton has denied the allegations, calling the rumors “untrue”, he has cited a desire to “take responsibility & accountability” in announcing this hiatus. His full statement, which was posted on Bassnectar’s various social media channels, can be read below.
“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. 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. 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.”
