The world of electronic music has been rocked by serious allegations against prominent DJ and producer Bassnectar, whose real name is Lorin Ashton. A recent ruling from a federal judge denied Ashton’s motion to dismiss multiple sexual abuse charges filed against him, allowing the case to move forward toward trial set to take place next February.
The lawsuit, which was first brought against Ashton by plaintiffs Rachel Ramsbottom and Alexis Bowling back in April 2021, accuses him of grooming, trafficking, and sexually abusing underage girls. A third plaintiff, Jenna Houston, joined the suit the following month, amplifying the severity of the accusations against the noted figure of the electronic dance music scene.
According to court documents, Ramsbottom alleged she began communication with Ashton online when she was only 17. She initially misled him by claiming she was of legal age, stating she was 18. Ramsbottom accused Ashton of inviting her to meet him at a hotel where he allegedly had sex with her, afterwards giving her money from his backpack, which she described as a “wad of cash.” The judge pointed out the importance of determining whether this money was intended as payment for sex—an issue she stated should be left to the jury.
Similarly, Bowling met Ashton online at the age of 17, also under the pretense of being older. The suit claims Ashton fully understood her actual age when she was not allowed entry to one of his shows due to being underage. Bowling also stated the DJ made arrangements for her to meet him near his hotel where sexual activity allegedly occurred, with Ashton handing her $1,600 afterward.
Houston’s accusations mirror those of the other plaintiffs. Having started her communication with Ashton at the age of 16, she claimed he invited her to his hotel room at the Ritz Carlton where their encounter was initiated without her consent. Houston stated he later facilitated her travel to numerous locations across the country to continue their encounters.
Through her ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Aleta A. Trauger suggested contentious elements of the case still rely on how jurors interpret the facts surrounding these encounters. The judge also highlighted inconsistencies, stating there may have been indications Ashton had overlooked the obvious truth of the women’s ages based on visual representations, including photographs shared between them.
While Judge Trauger dismissed some allegations, indicating Ramsbottom could not prove she had received payments after her 18th birthday, she made it clear the heart of the matter remains how Ashton handled the minors under his influence. "The court finds lack of clarity on whether Ashton 'deliberately ignored' proof showing the actual ages of the women involved," she stated, leaving significant questions unresolved.
The plaintiffs’ attorney, M. Stewart Ryan, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, highlighting their eagerness to bring the case to court for full consideration, seeking justice and accountability for the alleged harm caused.
Conversely, legal representatives for Ashton indicated their acceptance of the ruling, emphasizing the portions of the case dismissed were of utmost significance to their defense strategy. "The judge’s decision to remove various claims is pivotal, and we remain committed to proving Lorin Ashton’s innocence at trial," they commented, framing the remaining allegations as unfounded.
This legal battle surfaces against the larger backdrop of increasing scrutiny within the entertainment industry over allegations of abuse, misconduct, and power exploitation. With social movements shining light on these issues, advocates for the plaintiffs feel heightened awareness may lend strength to their cause, as more alleged victims of abuse are empowered to come forward.
Over the years, Bassnectar has cultivated a richly varied fan base and substantial success, marking his brand with sold-out shows and notable festival appearances. Yet, the shadows of these allegations now loom large—challenging not only the reputation of the artist but raising broader cultural questions about protection for young individuals against exploitation.
April’s renewal of these accusations can be not merely seen as individual allegations; they are part of a growing discourse around accountability and safety for artists and fans engaged within the often tumultuous entertainment milieu. Whether the weight of these claims stands firm under judicial scrutiny will be followed closely, as many await the trial and potential revelations surrounding the specifics of the encounters described by the three women.