Bassnectar has finally responded to lawsuit and “demands a jury trial” for sex trafficking allegations – [READ]

The DJ and producer has remained relatively silent for over a year until last week, when he spoke out against his accusers.

Bassnectar has finally spoken out about the lawsuit filed against him by several women of his past. The music producer, known formally as Lorin Ashton, has denied any sort of foul play and all allegations of sex trafficking and child pornography.

“This case is nothing more than an attempt by opportunistic women who have chosen to sue Ashton, his record label, managers, and even one of the charities he has contributed to, all in an attempt to frame years of friendship as trafficking so that they can exploit a statute for monetary gain,” his official response read.

The response was filed in the U.S. district court of Tennessee, and claimed that Ashton is demanding a jury trial, Vice has revealed.

One of the several women who initially filed the lawsuit has asserted that Bassnectar’s response will not “shy” them from moving forward.

Their lawyer, Stewart Ryan, said: “Our clients want to see justice done in whatever form this takes. A jury trial is not anything that our clients shy away from.” 

Lauren Sarrantonio, one of the many who initially spoke out against Lorin, alleging that he gave her unsolicited cash, asked her to send naked photos, and made her keep their relationship secret, has replied to Lorin’s statement.

“My first initial reaction was fear and sadness. I do know that this is how the system works, that he has a right to defend himself, and make his own claims, but it’s hard to read through denial of over 200 allegations that I personally experienced.

“Although it’s not my lawsuit, it feels like being invalidated all over again,” she claimed.

The lawsuit itself will also shed light on several others who Bassnectar alleged: “participated in a venture and benefited economically from Bassnectar…and should have known Bassnectar was trafficking minor girls for commercial sex and other illegal activity.” 

The defendants in question include Redlight Management, C3 Presents, his charity, record label, and many other institutions where he was involved.

The documents also claim that Lorin’s ex tour manager Carlos Donohue would’ve had a first-hand part in any sort of “sex-trafficking” scheme, as he assisted in arranging travel plans and free tickets for underaged girls.

“The claims against my clients are completely baseless and we look forward to proving that through the court,” his lawyer Cynthia Sherwood shot back.

“The allegations that remain are that he, as the tour manager, got tickets and backstage tickets for a show. To call that aiding in sex trafficking is outrageous.” 

After decades of unmatched success in the electronic and bass music scenes, Lorin faced allegations of rape and assault in June of 2020 with the emergence of the Instagram account @evidenceagainstbassnectar.

In April of 2021, two of the alleged victims Rachel Ramsbottom and Alexis Bowling filed a lawsuit against Bassnectar, and shortly after two others joined the retaliation, Jenna Houston, and an anonymous woman.

Later, the anonymous woman dropped her complaint, and Lorin has asked that she reveal her true name.

“The dismissal of this anonymous accuser from this litigation is a first step toward Lorin’s complete vindication,” his lawyers, Mitch Schuster and Kim Hodde, said.

“We possess numerous communications which demonstrate that this individual’s claims were baseless, and it is clear that her withdrawal from this litigation and decision not to reveal her name, show her unwillingness to be attached to these outrageous and false allegations.

“We welcome this development and will not stop working until Mr. Ashton’s good name and reputation are restored.”