Karen Elson and Liz Phair made statements today about their experiences with Ryan Adams. Yesterday, The New York Times reported several women’s allegations of abuse against Adams ranging from emotional manipulation to sexual misconduct. Phoebe Bridgers, Adams’ ex-wife Mandy Moore, and an underage fan were among the women to come forward in the article. Adams has denied those allegations.
In an Instagram post that references the New York Times article, Elson wrote, “I also had a traumatizing experience with Ryan Adams. I’m not quite brave enough yet to speak about my specifics.” She continued, “The trauma that lingers is often a very powerful silencer of women as is the business that enables these men to thrive without ever facing consequences.” Elson’s representative offered Pitchfork no further comment.
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Phair, who previously collaborated with Adams, responded to a tweet asking if she’ll “weigh in” on the Times’ Adams report. “If I do, I’ll write about it,” Phair said. “My experience was nowhere near as personally involving, but yes the record ended and the similarities are upsetting.” See the tweet below. Phair’s representative offered Pitchfork no comment.
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Pitchfork has reached out to Adams’ representatives about Phair and Elson’s posts.
Today, the amplifier company Benson ended its relationship with Adams, Variety reports. “We are saddened and surprised by the recent allegations against Mr. Ryan Adams as documented in the New York Times,” founder Chris Benson said in a statement. “We have decided to suspend our relationship with Mr. Adams at this moment, and will no longer move forward with the development of the Ryan Adams signature model. We have no further comment at this time.”
JHS Pedals, a guitar pedal company, has also cut ties with Adams. The company released “the VCR,” a pedal in collaboration with Adams and his label Pax-Am.
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The New York Times has now reported that the FBI are looking into Adams’ alleged sexual communications with an underage fan. Adams’ lawyer told Pitchfork that he has not been contacted by law enforcement regarding the inquiry.
This article was originally published on February 14 at 7:09 p.m. Eastern. It was last updated at 9:33 p.m. Eastern.
