FYF Fest Founder Sean Carlson Accused of Sexual Misconduct by Four Women
When Goldenvoice officially parted company with FYF Festival founder Sean Carlson on Monday, it did not cite a reason. But on Wednesday, Spin published an article wherein four women, three of whom chose to remain anonymous, accuse Carlson of sexual misconduct. The incidents, which according to the women’s accounts took place between 2010 and 2015, include one instance of sexual assault and three of sexually aggressive behavior.
Goldenvoice and Carlson have not responded to Variety’s multiple requests for comment, but included in the Spin article is a lengthy apology from Carlson, who disputed the particulars of certain incidents but admitted that his conduct in the incidents was “inexcusable” and that he “acted inappropriately and shamefully, and deeply regret my actions.” He also says that in late 2015 he gave up alcohol and “embraced therapy.”
Three of the incidents, which are described in graphic detail, depict Carlson as persistently groping and attempting to kiss the women. But the fourth spoke of a 2013 incident at a Los Angeles barbeque in which Carlson followed her into a bathroom, apparently locked the door and forced her to kiss his genitals. She did so and then managed to escape the bathroom, but he followed her and pinned her down on a couch, an incident that was interrupted when another person arrived, which allowed her to get away.
“He pulled me on top of him, he had me pinned down by my wrists,” she says. “I’m struggling to get away and he’s like, trying to kiss me. And then somebody opened the back door, thank God, because that sound startled him and he loosened his grip on my wrists and I was able to pull free.”
She provided Spin with two text messages she said were from Carlson in which he attempted to apologize and “make it up to you and show you that I am a good person.” The woman filed a report with local police but ultimately decided not to press charges.
Three of the women work in the music industry and said they did not come forward previously for fear of jeopardizing their careers and/or because they feared they wouldn’t be believed.
In his statement, Carlson writes: “I am genuinely, unequivocally sorry. I lay fault at no one’s feet but my own. I am ashamed by how I acted and feel terrible for the pain that I have caused. Actions speak louder than words.
“In December 2015, my years of recklessness and selfishness hit a breaking point; I had to make a promise to family and friends that I would change, or risk finally exhausting what remained of their compassion and support. I gave up alcohol for good, I embraced therapy, and I asked, sincerely, that my family and friends forgive me. Nevertheless, these corrective actions do not excuse my reprehensible conduct, and are small solace to those whose pain I am so sorry to have caused.”
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