Bassnectar (Lorin Ashton) announced an indefinite hiatus in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Ashton issued a statement noting he is “stepping back from my career and I am stepping down from my position of power and privilege in this community because I want to take responsibility and accountability.”
The decision comes less than a week after the launch of Instagram account @EvidenceAgainstBassnectar, which includes posts “collected from public platforms and submitted by many individuals” alleging inappropriate behavior by Ashton. “The rumors you are hearing are untrue, but I realize some of my past actions have caused pain, and I am deeply sorry,” the producer/DJ wrote in his statement today. He also announced he is stepping back from any involvement in his Be Interactive nonprofit organization.
Read the full text of Bassnectar’s statement below:
I am stepping back from my career and I am stepping down from my position of power and privilege in this community because I want to take responsibility and accountability. I feel intense compassion for anyone I may have hurt. I truly hope you allow me a chance to work together toward healing. The rumors you are hearing are untrue, but I realize some of my past actions have caused pain, and I am deeply sorry. I am handing off our nonprofit Be Interactive to a diverse team to continue without my involvement moving forward. Sometime in the future I may share more thoughts on these matters, but for now, please take care of each other and I wish you all the brightest future.
On Tuesday, Ashton took to his social feeds with a response to the allegations that included word he was “examining my privilege and opening my communication to people from my past with whom I had an intimate relationship.” See the full text of what Lorin wrote on June 30:
— Bassnectar (@bassnectar) June 30, 2020