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Music

Four Women Accuse Sean Carlson, Founder of FYF Fest, of Sexual Misconduct

The allegations are detailed in a report by SPIN.
Image by Justin Wise via Flickr (license)

Earlier this week, the festival promoter Goldenvoice announced that they were severing ties with Sean Carlson, the founder of one of LA's biggest music festivals FYF Fest. Since, SPIN has published a report detailing sexual misconduct allegations against Carlson from four different women, dating between 2010 and 2015, suggesting that such accusations may be the reason for the end of the relationship.

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The allegations range from claims that Carlson forcibly attempted to kiss women and following them into bathrooms, to serious sexual assault. One woman also claims that Carlson groped her in an Uber, after she had rejected his advances.

Three of the four women allege that they had not previously come forward about their allegations because of their professional connections with Carlson, who has responded to the accusations:

Incident 4 is true. Incident 3 is generally true, but I did not follow the individual into a bathroom. My conduct in both of these incidents was inexcusable.

The descriptions in Incidents 1 and 2 both contain serious misstatements and omissions. However, on both occasions I acted inappropriately and shamefully, and deeply regret my actions.

I am genuinely, unequivocally sorry. I lay fault at no one’s feet but my own. I am ashamed by how I acted and feel terrible for the pain that I have caused. Actions speak louder than words.

In December 2015, my years of recklessness and selfishness hit a breaking point; I had to make a promise to family and friends that I would change, or risk finally exhausting what remained of their compassion and support. I gave up alcohol for good, I embraced therapy, and I asked, sincerely, that my family and friends forgive me. Nevertheless, these corrective actions do not excuse my reprehensible conduct, and are small solace to those whose pain I am so sorry to have caused.

We will continue to update this story with any further information.

Have you witnessed or experienced sexual misconduct in the music industry? We want to hear from you. Contact Andrea Domanick confidentially at andrea (dot) domanick (at) vice (dot) com. PGP: bit.ly/2tZT0WT .

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