FYF Fest Founder Sean Carlson accused of multiple accounts of sexual assault

Yesterday, it was revealed that Goldenvoice had decided to part ways with Sean Carlson, founder of Los Angeles' FYF Festival. The news was unexplained until today as four women have come forward detailing stories about Carlson allegedly sexually assaulting them across 2010 to 2015.

SPIN reported that over the past month, four women have come forward with disturbing accounts of sexual misconduct and assault (in one case) with Carlson. The first incident took place in 2010, where Natasha Ryan, a music photographer, explained that Carlson “kept coming up to [her] and trying to take [her] bra top off” at a party they both attended. Later, he "started grabbing [her] and trying to kiss [her] and was trying to pull [her] into the bathroom to make out" and ignored her vocalized requests for him to stop.

In 2013, a woman who remains anonymous shared her account of Carlson sexually assaulting her after meeting him at a barbecue at a friend's house. She was using the restroom when he came in, refused to leave and proceeded to expose himself to her, asking her to kiss his penis. He later pressed himself against her, "came out behind [her] and pulled [her] by [her] wrists onto a couch". SPIN's report details text message evidence that the woman received from Carlson two days later where he apologized to her for his behavior.

In 2015, another female artist manager details Carlson forcibly "sticking his tongue down [her] throat" and texting her an apology the next day. A few months later, she ran into Carlson again at a party. She went to the restroom and he proceeded to "force his way in behind [her] and tried to make out with [her]". He continued to make unwanted advances by following her as she tried to leave in an Uber and groping her.

Additionally, a source who worked closely with Carlson through 2006-2010 claims that his behavior was an "open secret" among the music community in LA, describing having personal issues with him after witnessing his behavior at a party where he immediately started groping women and acting aggressively.

Sean Carlson has responded to the accusations, admitting that two are true while disputing the facts of the other two. "My conduct in both of these incidents was inexcusable," he writes in his statement. "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."

Goldenvoice has announced its official separation from Carlson, but has not provided further information about future plans for FYF Festival.

Goldenvoice representatives did not respond for a request for comment by time of publishing.