Jimmie Allen Removed from CMA Fest After Sexual Assault Allegations
Jimmie Allen has been removed from this year’s CMAFest performance lineup, following allegations of assault and sexual abuse that emerged on Thursday. A rep from the Country Music Association confirmed his removal from the lineup to Rolling Stone.
Allen was originally set to play Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on June 11, a lineup that also includes Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Tim McGraw. Nissan Stadium is the biggest stage during the fan-centric CMAFest, and a coveted opportunity for an artist to reach thousands of dedicated country-music fans. CMAFest is scheduled for June 8-11 in Nashville, with performers through the weekend including Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, and Eric Church.
Allen, who scored hits for his record label Stoney Creek Records with songs like “Best Shot” and “Down Home,” has also been suspended by the label following the allegations of sexual assault and battery against the singer. Stoney Creek is an imprint of BBR Music Group.
“In light of today’s allegations against Jimmie Allen, BBR Music Group has decided to suspend all activity with him, effective immediately,” the label said in a statement.
In addition to Stoney Creek Records, BBR Music Group comprises Broken Bow Records and Wheelhouse Records. Artists under the BBR umbrella include Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and Dustin Lynch. In 2017, BBR Music Group was purchased by BMG.
Allen was also slated to give the commencement address at Delaware State University on Friday, but has since dropped out. According to a statement from Delaware State University, officials were “notified by Jimmie Allen, the scheduled keynote speaker for its 8 a.m., May 12 Undergraduate Commencement, that he will be unable to participate in the ceremony. The University respects Mr. Allen’s decision and is grateful that Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester has agreed to address the graduates.”
In a story first reported Thursday by Variety, Allen is the subject of a lawsuit brought against him and his former management company by a Jane Doe plaintiff, Allen’s onetime day-to-day manager. The suit accuses Allen of assault and sexual abuse over a period of 18 months, including the startling allegations that he “raped her in private while choking her” and “videotaped multiple sexual encounters in order to blackmail her to stay silent.” Trending ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Original Season 10 Finale: Raquel Turns Into a Terrorist ‘F-cking Disgrace’: CNN Gifts Trump Prime-Time Campaign Rally Beyoncé Delivers 'Dangerously in Love' and Those Long-Awaited Visuals at 'Renaissance' Tour Opener Here's Everything That Happened During Beyoncé's Once-in-a-Lifetime 'Renaissance' Tour Opener
In a statement sent to Rolling Stone by his lawyer, Allen denied the allegations: “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. I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years,” he said, going on to question the motives of his accuser and calling the allegations “not only false, but also extremely damaging.”
Allen previously won the ACM New Artist of the Year award as well as CMA’s New Artist of the Year honor. He also earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. His most recent album is 2022’s Tulip Drive.
Source: Rolling Stone
