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Why the Bassnectar Lawsuit’s Dismissal Doesn’t Mean Innocence
The music industry has long been a breeding ground for abuse, manipulation, and power imbalances. Yet, time and time again, we watch as powerful men escape real consequences. Lorin Ashton, aka Bassnectar, just had his sex trafficking lawsuit dismissed with prejudice, but let’s be clear: this does not mean he is innocent.
What Happened in the Case?
Three women came forward, alleging that Ashton groomed, manipulated, and exploited them as minors. They accused him of using his fame to coerce them into sexual relationships, claiming he used tactics like love-bombing, control, and isolation. One plaintiff even stated that Ashton gave her money after sex when she was just 17, a key factor in the case’s sex trafficking claims.
Ashton denied all allegations, claiming the women lied about their ages and that there was no trafficking. His legal team successfully had multiple claims dismissed before trial, but others remained strong enough to proceed. Rather than facing a jury, the case ended in a confidential settlement, meaning we will never see the full scope of evidence in court.
Dismissed With Prejudice—What Does It Actually Mean?
A dismissal with prejudice means the case cannot be refiled, often due to a settlement agreement between the parties. It does not mean the accused is innocent. Instead, it means that both parties agreed to resolve the dispute outside of court, likely because both had reasons to avoid the trial process.
For Ashton, settling means avoiding a jury trial that could have exposed damaging evidence. But does this mean the plaintiffs didn’t believe in their case? Absolutely not.
Some might argue that agreeing to a settlement implies doubt, but that ignores the harsh reality survivors face. Taking a case to trial requires reliving trauma, facing public scrutiny, and enduring cross-examination that often blames the victim. Settling does not mean lying—it often means choosing the least harmful path forward. Justice is not always found in a courtroom; sometimes, it’s about reclaiming control on one’s own terms.
Why Didn’t He Sue for Defamation?
This is a question more people should be asking. If Ashton was falsely accused, why hasn’t he filed a defamation lawsuit? Many public figures who claim innocence aggressively sue for defamation to clear their name. The absence of such a lawsuit speaks volumes. If his legal team thought they could prove these women lied beyond a reasonable doubt, they would have done so.
The Harsh Reality of Seeking Justice
This case is bigger than Lorin. It represents a pattern in the music industry and beyond. 3 in 5 women in music have experienced sexual harassment. Yet, 5 in 6 rapes go unreported because victims know the legal system will likely fail them. Even when survivors do come forward, false accusations make up only 2-8% of cases—and that number is likely inflated. Meanwhile, actually getting a guilty verdict in court is excruciatingly difficult.
Reliving trauma in front of a jury, facing cross-examination, and being publicly doubted is a second form of abuse survivors must endure. Many settle or drop cases not because their claims are false, but because the legal system retraumatizes them. Lorin avoided court, but these women had to relive their abuse just to get to this point.
We Must Speak Up—Silence is Complicity
Staying neutral in situations like this is not an option. We have platforms, we have voices, and we have a responsibility to use them. When we refuse to take a stand, we protect the abusers, not the survivors. The music industry, and the world at large, has enabled predatory behavior for far too long.
Too many artists, journalists, and industry professionals hesitate to speak up because they fear backlash or losing access. But what about the survivors? What about their fear? Their loss? If we don’t advocate for them, who will?
We need to push for accountability, demand justice, and create spaces where survivors feel safe coming forward. Standing with victims is not just about believing them—it’s about actively fighting against the systems that protect predators.
This case may be over, but the conversation isn’t. We need to keep calling out power imbalances, holding artists accountable, and demanding change. Because for every case that makes it to court, countless more never do.
I stand with the survivors. I always will.
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