While it may be some time before indie rock figurehead Ryan Adams faces legal repercussions over his alleged sexts with an underage girl (if charges are laid at all), the accused abuser is already facing the ramifications of yesterday’s stunning New York Times exposé.
Variety reports his record Big Colors, which was slated for release on April 19, has been removed from Universal Music Group‘s release schedule. The outlet also pointed out that pre-sale links to the record on Adams’ own site have been removed.
The record was one of three Adams had planned to release this year.
Brands who have worked with the chart-topping musician have also moved swiftly to distance themselves from the artist. Benson, a guitar amplifier company which was gearing up to release a Ryan Adams signature model, has cut their affiliation with the artist and put a stop to the product’s development.
Taking to Instagram, founder Christopher Benson said the company was “saddened and surprised” at the allegations.
Boutique guitar pedal manufacturers have also responded to the allegations.
Walrus Audio has halted the sale of their Defcon4, a pedal developed with Adams and marketed as his signature model.
The web store page for the pedal has been removed.
“Our hearts are heavy not just for the women involved, but for every child, teen, and adult today who has, who is, and will in the future have to endure and find healing from the oppressive culture of sex abuse,” Walrus Audio president Colt Westbrook said on Instagram.
JHS Pedals, another manufacturer with links to Adams, has also distanced itself from the 44-year-old.
“I am ceasing all collaboration with Ryan and have discontinued the VCR Ryan Adams Signature Pedal,” founder Josh Scott said on Instagram.
He added that remaining stock of the pedal would be rebranded, with proceeds going towards “the fight against sexual abuse and misconduct.”
Seven women, including his former wife Mandy Moore, accused Adams of emotional abuse spanning years in the New York Times report. The exposé brought mainstream attention to the issues of coercive and abusive male figures in the alternative music scene, and the response of brands linked to Adams is telling.
If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
