Lawsuit Filed Against Bassnectar for Human Trafficking and Sexual Abuse

Bassnectar and his management team are facing a lawsuit stemming from the sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced last year.

Last year, Lorin Ashton, also known as Bassnectar, exited the dance music scene after sexual misconduct allegations were made against him. Detailed accounts from his accusers surfaced on social media, including the @evidenceagainstbassnectar account on Instagram, as women came forward to tell their stories. Now, a combination of attorneys from Philadelphia and Nashville have come together to file a lawsuit against Bassnectar, as well as the various management companies that previously worked with him.

Officially filed by Philadelphia attorneys Brian Kent, Stewart Ryan, and Alexandria MacMaster of Laffey, Bucci & Kent, LLP and Nashville attorney Phillip Miller of Miller Law Offices on behalf of two of the female victims, the lawsuit seeks to hold Bassnectar and the corporations accountable for his actions. The lawsuit alleges that not only were the plaintiffs sexually abused by Bassnectar but also that he manufactured child pornography and that he, along with the management companies, engaged in human trafficking.

“We have seen a true reckoning in recent years of powerful individuals and institutions finally being held to account for years of sexual abuse against adults and minors. But we have only begun to scratch the surface of how these influential figures and entities can go on for years committing abuses without being held responsible,” said attorney Brian Kent. “This lawsuit is about seeking justice not just against Bassnectar but against the corporations that cooperate in and help facilitate the abuses he is alleged to have committed.”

Since publishing, Bassnectar’s attorney Mitchell Schuster has responded to the recently filed lawsuit, saying “These outrageous claims – which were clearly designed for the media, rather than for the courts – are completely without merit, and we eagerly look forward to proving so.”

Anyone with information about Bassnectar or who has been victimized themselves can call the law firm’s hotline at 855-382-3385. For more information, contact Brian Kent or Stewart Ryan directly at 855-382-3385, bkent@laffeybuccikent.com, or sryan@laffeybuccikent.com.

This is a developing story, stay tuned for more details as they surface.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include the recent statement from Bassnectar’s attorney, Mitchell Schuster.

If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault at a festival or anywhere in life, here are some resources for support:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline to offer support to victims and their families. Their services are free and confidential: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) (Available 24 hours a day by phone and by online chat.)

Relief After Violent Encounter (RAVE) — this organization can help you find counseling and therapy after a violent encounter.

RAVE also has a domestic and sexual violence Emergency Response Team which is deployed through law enforcement to provide emergency crisis intervention to victims immediately after an assault. Reach out to their Emergency Response Program Coordinator, Lisa Cloman, at 616-527-3351 ext. 231 or lisac@raveim.org.

DJ Mag and the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) created a support hotline specifically for people to report sexual harassment in the dance music industry. This helpline is staffed by trained experts who will listen and support anyone who calls: (800) 030-5182.