***Trigger warning: This article contains detailed allegations and discussions about grooming and sexual assault. Please take caution when reading.***
Judging by some of my past articles, BØRNS has been an artist that I’ve followed and cared about for a long time. I’ve loved his music since his first album and have seen him live; I also met him in Chicago. Recently though, some allegations have been popping up like crazy, accusing the singer of sexual assault and grooming of underage girls, a term defined as a situation where “someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or trafficking,” according to the NSPCC.
Though BØRNS has released a statement, which I will put below, it seems half-assed, to put it simply. Unfortunately, proof of the grooming has come up in certain allegations, which I will include below as well, giving me zero hope that he’s even remotely innocent. The allegations have piled up, as I’ve seen most on Twitter and have counted at least five off the top of my head, though I know there are more.
It’s going to take you a while to read this but it was important for me to share it. I hope it helps you understand. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/fOlNSvHVV6
— laurène (@laulowlows) October 4, 2018
I wanted to shed some light on some things I’ve been holding onto for quite some time. thank you to the brave girls before me. you are not alone, you are never alone. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/YuJ3IAyqgQ
— Lyss (@alyssaadaniele) September 23, 2018
Naturally, when these allegations came to light, I was sickened, but wanted to hear from BØRNS too, just to see all sides. I was so disappointed by the statement, as it seems he wasn’t phased by them at all. The statement felt forced, as if he had to say something, rather than actually caring about how serious the allegations are to his career. You would think if he were innocent he would try harder to clear his name of the so-called “disturbing and false allegations.” Then, as proof accompanied the claims, I knew it was game over for him. Not to mention, he’s been pulled from festival slots and has disabled his Instagram comments because of how harsh people were being, making the situation all the more real and believable. Aside from the statement, he’s been radio silent, which makes him look super guilty.
From a fan perspective, finding out such horrifying news is jarring. I was and still am so shocked, replaying the conversation I had with him when I met him, trying to notice any red flags. Thankfully, I didn’t experience anything like the fans that have come forward, but knowing that I’ve talked to, hugged and supported BØRNS for so long leaves a pit in my stomach. I am still in disbelief and trying to comprehend it all, as it all happened so fast. What do you do when you find this out? I had never experienced such a let down and have been reflecting on my feelings towards him since.
After taking a couple days to process, I have decided to skip out on his concert on this tour that I bought tickets for, have packed away his merchandise, unfollowed him on social media and I have deleted his music from my phone. It’s surreal, but important to realize how easy it is to miss someone’s true colors because you see them for the image they have presented to you. It’s hard to believe that someone you love a lot could be garbage, but abusing power and fame for sexual gain is never something worth supporting.
Though there have been no forms of legal action, the proof and lack of discussion on his end currently makes me feel that BØRNS used his image to pursue multiple underage fans without consequence, unless he can come back with more explanation to give me some more understanding of his side. There is room for an explanation and I hope he takes the opportunity to do so because right now, I feel confused, hurt and upset. As far as I’m concerned, my time as a supporter is over for the time being, and I am thinking of the fans that have experienced the abuse from BØRNS and admire their bravery for speaking up.