Ryan Adams Releases Statement Months After Sexual Abuse Allegations

“I have a lot to say. I am going to. Soon. Because the truth matters."

Ryan Adams
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Image via Getty/C Flanigan

Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams returned to Instagram with a lengthy statement that alluded to his sexual misconduct scandal.

Back in February, The New York Times published an exposé in which seven women accused Adams of sexual and emotional abuse. Among his accusers were his ex-wife Mandy Moore and a woman identified as "Ava," who was only 14 years old when the alleged misconduct occurred.

Adams initially criticized the article for painting an "inaccurate" picture, claiming it included exaggerated and "outright false" details. The allegations, which were reportedly investigated by the FBI, led to the cancelation of his U.K. and Ireland tour.

But the picture that this article paints is upsettingly inaccurate. Some of its details are misrepresented; some are exaggerated; some are outright false. I would never have inappropriate interactions with someone I thought was underage. Period.

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) February 13, 2019

As someone who has always tried to spread joy through my music and my life, hearing that some people believe I caused them pain saddens me greatly. I am resolved to work to be the best man I can be. And I wish everyone compassion, understanding and healing.

— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) February 13, 2019

On Friday, the 44-year-old artist ended his Instagram hiatus with a series of posts that included a song clip, a selfie, a White Snake album cover, and a message in which he told his followers to "believe women" and "believe truth."

"I have a lot to say. I am going to. Soon. Because the truth matters. It’s what matters most. I know who I am. What I am. It's time people know. Past time," he wrote. "All the beauty in a life cannot be reduced to rubble for confusion, ignoring truths that destroy all the good in us [...] Believe Women. Believe Truth. But never give up on being part of solutions, and healing ... Thank you for your kindness, your support and for this time I needed to decide how I could be a part of a better tomorrow for everybody.

You can read Adams' full statement below. The singer-songwriter is expected to release Big Colors—an album that was put on hold in wake of the Times report—later this year.

 

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