On Wednesday, the music world was shocked by reports that celebrated singer-songwriter Ryan Adams has been accused of sexual misconduct and psychological abuse by several female musicians. In a scathing report from the New York Times seven women — including Adams’ ex-wife, Mandy Moore — came forward to detail instances in which they had been harassed, threatened or manipulated by Adams. On Twitter, Adams’ tone switched from combative to almost-apologetic, as he issued a statement in which he asked forgiveness, while at the same time refusing to accept responsibility for his alleged actions. Prior to the publication of the exposé, Adams assumed a defensive posture. “F-ck you. You are kitty litter. Happy Valentine’s Day,” he tweeted alongside the Times famous logo. “Run your smear piece. But the leagel [sic] eagles see you. Rats. I’m f-cking taking you down,” Adams continued, seemingly threatening legal action against the paper. After the piece was published, however, Adams adopted a more conciliatory stance: “I am not a perfect man and I have made many mistakes,” he tweeted. “To anyone I have ever hurt, however unintentionally, I apologize deeply and unreservedly.” Possibly in reference to allegations that he sent sexually explicit photos to an aspiring musician who was in her early teens at the time (Adams was already in his forties), the singer had this to say: “But the picture that this article paints is upsettingly inaccurate. Some of its details are misrepresented; some are exaggerated; some are outright false,” he tweeted. “As someone who has always tried to spread joy through my music and my life, hearing that some people believe I caused them pain saddens me greatly. “I am resolved to work to be the best man I can be. And I wish everyone compassion, understanding and healing.” On Twitter, many were quick to point out that at no point did Adams acknowledge his victims or offer them the solace that might have come with accepting responsibility for specific actions. According to Moore and singers Phoebe Bridgers and Jaye Courtney — Adams used the promise of career success to lure his mostly much-younger victims into scenarios where they were pressured to engage in sex acts. “Music was a point of control for him,” says Moore, who adds that Adams engaged in frequent “psychologically abusive” behavior during their 6-year marriage. We’ll have further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
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Ryan Adams Issues Non-Apology In Response to Mandy Moore Allegations: I’m Not Perfect!
