The career trajectory of singer-songwriter Garrett Clark Borns, professionally known as BØRNS, has been notably impacted by multiple allegations of sexual misconduct that emerged against him in 2018. These accusations, which surfaced via various platforms including music site Pitchfork, involved claims of manipulative and predatory behavior towards women, particularly young fans. The detailed accounts from several individuals painted a disturbing picture of coercion, exploitation, and inappropriate conduct.
BØRNS, known for his electro-pop/indie style, had enjoyed considerable success prior to the allegations. His debut EP “A Dream Between” in 2012 and subsequent releases garnered attention, with his first album “Dopamine” in 2015 achieving significant acclaim, buoyed by hits like “Electric Love.” However, the accusations marked a sharp downturn in his career trajectory.
The allegations against BØRNS were serious and far-reaching. They ranged from instances of coercion and manipulation to accounts of non-consensual encounters, with several individuals sharing their harrowing experiences publicly. These revelations led to the creation of social media accounts like @exposing_borns, where numerous stories of manipulation and exploitation were shared by alleged victims.
In response to the allegations, BØRNS initially issued a statement denying any wrongdoing, asserting that all his relationships had been legal and consensual. However, the fallout from the allegations was swift and severe. The singer faced cancellations from festivals and shows, and his career essentially came to a halt. It wasn’t until July of 2023 that he resurfaced with the release of his third EP “Suddenly,” though it was met with mixed reception.
Fast forward to February 22 of the current year, and BØRNS resurfaced once again, this time with a new statement addressing the allegations and his prolonged absence from the music scene. In his statement, he expressed regret over his previous dismissive response to the allegations, attributing it to advice from his team at the time. He acknowledged feeling caught off guard by the allegations and highlighted the toll they took on his mental health.
The response to BØRNS’ latest statement has been mixed, with some praising his willingness to address the allegations and his personal struggles, while others remain skeptical about the sincerity of his words. Whether this will be enough to rehabilitate his career and regain the trust of his audience remains uncertain, as the impact of such serious allegations is often long-lasting and deeply ingrained in public perception.