Mandy Moore has accused ex-husband Ryan Adams of harassment and emotional abuse alongside six other women in a New York Times exposé. In the story, released earlier this week, seven women accuse the singer-songwriter of being ‘manipulative, controlling and obsessive.’
A woman, 20, also claims Adams had ‘sexual conversations’ with her when she was just a teen.
In a series of Tweets after The Times story was released, Adams addressed the allegations. “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,” he wrote.
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Moore – who was married to Adams for seven years between 2009 and 2016 – has previously spoken about how difficult her marriage was. The actress and singer claimed her ex-husband took control of her music career in 2010, three years after they first met when she was just 23.
The This Is Us star claims he “discouraged” her from working with other producers and managers, but after writing songs together Adams would “replace her with other female artists” when it came time to record the tracks.
The actress also says he was “psychologically abusive” and belittled her. “His controlling behaviour essentially did block my ability to make new connections in the industry during a very pivotal and potentially lucrative time, my entire mid-to-late 20s,” Moore told the Times.
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Adams ex-fiancé Megan Butterworth – the couple split in 2018 – also claims the musician was controlling and emotionally abusive during their relationship. Musician Phoebe Bridgers, singer Courtney Jaye and two female singer-songwriters who remained anonymous in The Times story all had similar claims of harassment against Adams.
Adams’ lawyer Andrew B. Brettler denied the claims to The Times, saying his client never “engaged in inappropriate online sexual communications with someone he knew was underage.” Brettler also says the allegations come from “disgruntled individuals” who blame the singer for personal or professional disappointments.
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