According to a Tennessee court order obtained by Rolling Stone, singer/songwriter Jimmie Allen was found liable by default for sexual assault, battery, and related charges after Judge Aleta A. Trauger wrote that Allen "failed to comply with case management discovery deadlines," per Rolling Stone.
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To be clear, Allen is not criminally liable for the charges. However, the "Best Shot" singer can be held responsible for any potential monetary damages proved by the accuser.
Why Was Allen Found Liable?
The legal documents obtained by Rolling Stone show Allen and his corporation, Aadyn's Dad Touring, Inc., were liable after repeatedly missing court orders and deadlines.
"The defendants throughout have failed to comply with case management discovery deadlines and even failed to comply with specific Orders of this court," wrote Judge Aleta A. Trauger. "For these reasons, the plaintiff's Motion for Sanctions and Judgment against defendants Jimmie Allen and Aadyn's Dad Touring, Inc. is GRANTED."
Allen has stated that his lawyer has been dealing with some health issues, which caused the delay.
"I have worked as well as I could, as fast as I could with my representation," he told The Tennessean. "It's not from me not meeting the deadlines, it's because my attorney actually couldn't do it."
The plaintiff's attorney has said that the missed deadlines retraumatized her client. She added it was an attempt to "manipulate the legal process to his advantage."
"Each missed deadline and ignored obligation reinforces the imbalance of power she has fought so hard to expose," she added.
After the court's decision, the plaintiff's attorney gave Billboard a statement.
"We are pleased that the court entered judgment in her favor and look forward to proving her damages," she wrote. "The court's ruling makes clear that Allen cannot simply ignore the serious consequences of his actions."
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