FBI investigating Ryan Adams over claims he sent sexual messages to an underage fan

Adams has denied the allegations, first published in an exposé by the New York Times

(Kevin Mazur)

The FBI has begun investigating Ryan Adams following accusations by at least seven women of manipulative behaviour.

The New York Times reports that the law enforcement agency has started looking into whether the singer engaged in sexually explicit communications with an underage fan.

The publication initially reported on several allegations against Adams, including claims that he promised women potential career opportunities before pursuing them for sex.

One woman claimed she began communicating with the singer when she was 14 and continued speaking to him until she was 16. She claims they conducted video calls that sometimes included nudity. They never met in person.

Adam has denied the allegations, with his lawyer saying he never “engaged in inappropriate online sexual communications with someone he knew was underage”.

The FBI has since taken first steps into opening a criminal investigation, according to an unidentified law enforcement official.

Agents from the Crimes Against Children Squad will reportedly attempt to interview the woman and obtain the alleged text messages.

Lawyers for the woman, now 20, have declined to comment on the situation. An FBI spokesperson also declined to comment.

Reports have also emerged that Adams next album Big Colors, which was due to come out 19 April, has been pulled from the release schedule by Universal Music Group.

Furthermore, three companies that manufacture gear for musicians have publicly severed ties with Adams and announced that his name will be taken off their products.

Adams, who gained critical acclaim in the early 2000s, had been renown as a champion of female musicians. The New York Times documents a series of troubling allegations, including accusations from his ex-wife, Mandy Moore, that he was abusive during their marriage. Adams has denied the allegations.