Jimmie Allen Pulled From CMA Fest After Sexual Assault Allegations Rolling Stone

[ad_1]

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Jimmie Allen has been removed from this year’s CMAFest performance lineup, following allegations of sexual assault and abuse that emerged on Thursday. A representative from the Country Music Association confirmed his withdrawal from Rolling Stone’s programming.

Allen was originally scheduled to play at Nashvilles Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11, a lineup that also includes Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Tim McGraw. Nissan Stadium is the biggest fan-centric stage at 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 throughout the weekend including Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson and Eric Church.

Allen, who scored hits for his Stoney Creek Records label with songs like Best Shot and Down Home, was also suspended by the label following allegations of sexual assault and assault 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 includes 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 acquired by BMG.

Allen was also scheduled to deliver the commencement address at Delaware State University on Friday, but has since dropped out. According to a statement from Delaware State University, officials were told by Jimmie Allen, the keynote speaker scheduled for his 8 a.m. undergraduate start on May 12, that he would not be able to participate in the ceremony. The University respects Mr. Allens’ decision and is grateful to MP Lisa Blunt Rochester for agreeing to speak to the graduates.

In a story first reported Thursday by Variety, Allen is the subject of a lawsuit filed against him and his former management company by a plaintiff from Jane Doe, Allen’s former daily manager. The lawsuit charges Allen with sexual assault and abuse over an 18-month period, including the startling allegations that he privately raped her while choking her and filmed multiple sexual encounters in order to blackmail her for let her keep silent. Hot Editors’ Choice

In a statement sent to Rolling Stone by his attorney, Allen denied the allegations: “It is deeply disturbing and hurtful that someone I consider one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants is making allegations have no truth. I recognize that we had a sexual relationship that lasted almost two years, he said, questioning his accuser’s motives 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 the AMC 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, and he also appears as a guest on Steve Aokis’ recently released Older alongside Dixie DAmelio.

[ad_2]