Singer-songwriter Ryan Adams[1] — who was accused of sexual misconduct and psychological abuse last year by several women, including ex-wife Mandy Moore[2] — apologized for his past “harmful behavior.”
In a letter published in The Daily Mail[3] Friday, the prolific musician expressed regret for how he “mistreated people throughout my life and career,” adding that, after this “period of isolation and reflection,” he’s now sober and in therapy.
“All I can say is that I’m sorry. It’s that simple,” Adams wrote. “That being said, no amount of growth will ever take away the suffering I had caused. I will never be off the hook and I am fully accountable for my harmful behavior, and will be for my actions moving forward.”
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The New York Times published an expose[4] in February 2019 detailing Adams’ alleged pattern of manipulative and abusive behavior involving young female musicians. Seven women, including Moore and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, said he dangled career opportunities in front of them before pursuing them for sex, only to later retaliate against them professionally.
Moore, who was married to Adams from 2009 to 2016, said that “music was a point of control” in their marriage.
Adams was also accused of initiating sexually explicit communications with an underage fan, which prompted the FBI to open an investigation[5] into the alleged texts. There’s been no further news about the investigation since it was first reported in 2019.
At the time, Adams apologized for “unintentionally” causing pain. But his lawyer denied that he “ever engaged in inappropriate online sexual communications with someone he knew was underage.”
The Grammy-nominated singer didn’t address the accusations specifically in his statement. But Adams wrote that he’s “truly realized the