Country Singer Jimmie Allen Denies “Damaging” Assault and Sexual Abuse Allegations From Former Manager
Content warning: This story discusses allegations of sexual assault.
Jimmie Allen is responding to allegations of assault and sexual abuse.
The country music star is facing a lawsuit filed by his former manager, in which she accuses him of sexually assaulting her over a period of 18 months. In court documents obtained by E! News May 11, the former colleague, who filed under the pseudonym of Jane Doe, said she suffered sexual abuse and harassment beginning in May 2020.
In the suit, she also states she was subsequently fired by WOM, the artist management company, of which Allen is a client, in October 2022 after reporting the alleged behavior.
In response, Allen—who recently announced his split from his pregnant wife Alexis Allen—denies the allegations, stating that the relationship was "consensual."
"It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever," he said in a May 11 statement to E! News. "I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship—one that lasted for nearly two years."
"During that time," he continued, "she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely."
Allen added, "Only after things ended between us, did she hire a lawyer to reach out and ask for money, which leads me to question her motives. The simple fact is, her accusations are not only false, but also extremely damaging. I've worked incredibly hard to build my career, and I intend to mount a vigorous defense to her claims and take all other legal action necessary to protect my reputation."
In response, Jane Doe's attorney, Elizabeth Fegan said in a statement, "The only ask we made of Allen and his legal counsel was to meet to discuss Allen's behavior and resolution of our client's claims. At no time did our client make a monetary demand. The response was a hard no, and colored with threats that his team would take steps to publicly tarnish my client. My client had no choice but to be proactive in protecting herself by filing the complaint."
Allen's former manager is also suing WOM, as well as its founder Ash Bowers, stating that the company "breached their duty to take reasonable protective measures to protect her from the risk of sexual harassment and abuse by Allen." E! News has reached out to WOM and Bowers for comment and have not heard back.
In the lawsuit, the former manager alleges she experienced sexual assault on a number of occasions, including one incident in March 2021 after an American Idol taping. According to the docs, she alleges the 37-year-old sexually assaulted her "while she was incapacitated and incapable of giving consent." She further stated that "he sexually abused her at red lights, in green rooms, on airplanes, and in other places she was required to be to support him at events."
In April, Jimmie and his wife Alexis—who share daughters Naomi, 3, and Zara, 18 months, and are expecting their third baby—announced they were separating after two years of marriage. (Jimmie is also dad to son Aadyn, 8, from a previous relationship.)
"Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved, and we remain committed to coparenting with love and respect for one another," they shared in their April 21 statement. "In light [of] our growing family, we respectfully request privacy during this time."