When the FBI starts investigating you, ya might be in some deep s**t…
That’s the case with Ryan Adams, who is now officially the subject of an FBI inquiry into whether he committed a crime by engaging in “sexually explicit communications” with an underage fan, according to a new report in the New York Times.
Related: Women Come Forward Against Ryan Adams…
The inquiry, as reported by a law enforcement official with knowledge of the matter who spoke to the Times, is investigating whether the 44-year-old artist can be criminally charged over text messages and online video calls with the girl — who was between 14 and 16 years old at the time.
Those video calls, per the report, sometimes contained nudity. Adams apparently never met the girl in person.
Andrew B. Brettler, the singer’s attorney, has strenuously denied the allegations, saying (below):
“[Ryan] never engaged in inappropriate online sexual communications with someone he knew was underage.”
Well, now, that’ll be for the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Squad to determine. Per the report, if they find the accuser’s story credible during the course of their investigation, it’s likely they will subpoena Adams’ cell phone records for more info.
Related: Adams Says Not One Song Is About Mandy Moore…
That’s not the only issue the star is facing now, either — though the FBI inquiry is, by far, the biggest and most pressing.
Also on the list, though, is his forthcoming album Big Colors officially being put on hold by Universal Music Group. It had been scheduled to come out on April 19, and was to be one of three planned releases by the musician in 2019, but now… not.
No word on whether — or even if — that album will ever be released, though it all likely depends largely on the FBI’s investigation.
Furthermore, three companies that manufacture instruments and gear for musicians have also officially cut ties with Adams, per a report in The Independent.
A rep for one of the companies — Benson, which sells amplifiers — released a statement with their decision on Friday morning (below):
“We are saddened and surprised by the recent allegations against Mr. Ryan Adams as documented in the New York Times. 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.”
Walrus Audio and JHS Pedals have also announced that they are severing ties with the embattled musician.
Wow! Reactions to all these developments, Perezcious readers?!
Sound OFF in the comments (below)…
[Image via WENN.]
Related Posts
