Jimmie Allen accused of rape by former manager; country star says it was 'consensual'
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Jimmie Allen has been sued by a woman alleging he raped and sexually abused her while she worked on his management team.
The suit, filed in Tennessee court May 11, refers to the plaintiff as Jane Doe throughout the documents. Other defendants named in the suit include Allen's management company Wide Open Music, its founder Ash Bowers and William Bowers Management.
In the suit, the plaintiff alleges the country music artist, 37, raped her while she was incapacitated following a taping of an "American Idol" episode in March 2021. She also alleges Allen "manipulated and used his power over Plaintiff’s job to sexually harass and abuse her over the course of the next 18 months" and that "it was made clear to Plaintiff that she would lose her job if she complained."
Through a statement provided by his attorney Andrew Brettler, Allen said he and the plaintiff had a consensual sexual relationship.
Following the lawsuit, Allen was dropped from the performer lineup at next month's CMA Music Festival, a representative for the festival confirmed to USA TODAY.
What does the lawsuit against Jimmie Allen say?
Prior to the alleged assault, the suit states Allen "regularly engaged in sexual harassment," which his management team was aware of and treated as normal.
"Allen sexually harassed Plaintiff openly and publicly by making comments about her status as a single female, her innocence, and how hot she looked," the suit states. "He did so from the stage, in front of the production crew and public audiences."
The alleged rape occurred following a dinner with Allen, the plaintiff and industry executives after a taping of "American Idol" in which Allen appeared. Despite only drinking two glasses of wine that night, the plaintiff "does not remember anything after dinner that evening," the suit says.
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"She lost consciousness and awoke naked in her hotel room several hours later, with Jimmie Allen insisting she take Plan B as soon as possible," the suit continues. "Disoriented and confused, Plaintiff was bleeding vaginally. Plaintiff felt mortified and humiliated. She realized she had lost her virginity through no choice of her own and felt she had betrayed her faith."
After this incident, Allen continued to sexually harass the plaintiff, the suit says, opening a pornography website on her work computer, grabbing her breasts and buttocks and putting his hand down her pants in public.
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He also "videotaped multiple sexual encounters in order to blackmail her to stay silent," the suit alleges.
The suit says the plaintiff had thoughts of suicide as a result of the alleged abuse. When she told her boss about the alleged rape and abuse in October 2022, she says she was fired later that month.
What is Jimmie Allen being sued for?
The plaintiff is suing Allen for sex-trafficking, battery, assault, false imprisonment and intentional and negligent inflictions of emotional distress. She's also suing Bowers and the management company for participation in a venture engaged in sex trafficking; gross negligence; negligence; negligent failure to warn, train or educate and intentional and negligent inflictions of emotional distress.
Her attorneys are demanding a jury trial.
What did Jimmie Allen say about the lawsuit?
Through a statement provided by his attorney Andrew Brettler, Allen said, “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," he said. "I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely. Only after things ended between us, did she hire a lawyer to reach out and ask for money, which leads me to question her motives. The simple fact is, her accusations are not only false, but also extremely damaging. I’ve worked incredibly hard to build my career, and I intend to mount a vigorous defense to her claims and take all other legal action necessary to protect my reputation.”
Jimmie Allen apologizes to wife Alexis Gale
On May 18, Allen issued a public apology via Instagram to his wife Alexis Gale for "humiliating her with my affair."
"I'm embarrassed that my choices have brought shame on her," he continued. "That's something that she did not deserve at all."
In April, Allen announced he and Gale had decided to separate and that they will also welcome another child together later this year. The two share daughters Naomi, 3, and Zara, 1.
Allen also apologized to his children, adding that he's "working on becoming a better person that my kids can be proud of."
"This business takes so much from you," he continued. "It's full of temptations that can cripple you and ruin everything you've built. I'm ashamed that I wasn't strong enough to withstand them. I will no longer be a victim of my weaknesses. I challenge everyone to seek help when they need it. Do not be afraid of your weakness, surround yourself with people that WILL help you"
Who is Jimmie Allen?
Allen has lived in Nashville for most of his adult life. He first broke into the music industry after signing a publishing deal with Wide Open Music in 2016. He released his first official single, “Best Shot,” in 2018.
In 2021, Allen won the Country Music Association Award for new artist of the year, becoming the second Black artist to do so after Darius Rucker in 2009. He was nominated for best new artist at the Grammys in 2022.
Contributing: Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 any time day or night, or chat online.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmie Allen sued for rape, sexual abuse; he says it was 'consensual'
