Bassnectar to Take Step Back From Career Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

Bassnectar took to his social media channels to announce that he’s taking a step back from his career and distancing himself from Be Interactive.

The new decade has truly marked itself as a turning point for the entire dance music scene. While the earliest days centered around the scene’s response to the loss of live shows and festivals in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the past month has stories of sexual assault and abuse circulate about artists like Space Jesus, graves, Aerochord, and Bassnectar.

Bassnectar’s name was one that had been brought up back in 2018 during the allegations made against Datsik, and many of the same pieces of evidence that were used then resurfaced in June. Initially remaining quiet, he responded with a post in his Facebook Group before making a public statement on the matter earlier this week. While claiming that the accusations were untrue, he also went on to discuss positions of power and the responsibility of people to hold themselves accountable.

“And if you are a man in a position of power, I want to encourage you to take an honest look at yourself, be open to learning from your mistakes, and how you can take accountability for them: there are many resources out there for you to improve yourself,” read the statement. Now, days after posting that response, he’s taken to social media to announce he’s taking a step back from his career and position of power and privilege.

In his recent statement, Bassnectar echoes the prior by saying that the accusations aren’t true and that he feels sorry for any harm he has caused in the past. “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.”

Additionally, he went on to take an even further step back from Be Interactive, the non-profit focused on getting others involved and engaged in their community to make a personal impact. He will be handing off the reins of the non-profit to a team and will not be involved further.

Read the full statement from Bassnectar: