Sean Carlson, founder of FYF Fest, has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by multiple women. In a new report from SPIN, four women have come forward with their stories about Carlson’s misconduct, ranging from 2010 to 2015. In the first incident (2010), one woman says that Carlson “kept coming up to [her] and trying to take [her] bra top off” and that he also attempted to kiss her. A second incident occurred in 2013. An anonymous woman states that Carlson trapped her in a bathroom where “he kept asking [her] to kiss his penis,” which she says she did because she hoped he would “let [her] go.” Allegedly, Carlson also pressed his penis against her body and, later, pinned her down to a couch. Two more anonymous women came forward with stories from 2015. Both incidents involve nonconsensual kissing and touching.
In an email to SPIN, Carlson called one 2015 incident “true” and another “generally true.” He said that the 2010 and 2013 incidents “both contain serious misstatements and omissions,” but did not clarify what those are. Carlson also issued an apology: “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.” Read the full story at SPIN.
Sean Carlson founded FYF Fest in 2004 when he was 18 years old. In 2011, FYF partnered with promotion company Goldenvoice. On November 13, Variety reported that Goldenvoice had parted ways with Carlson. An email from CEO Paul Tollett sent to talent booking agents read: “Effective immediately, Goldenvoice has ended its relationship with Sean Carlson. We’re evaluating our path forward as it relates to FYF Fest.”
Pitchfork has contacted representatives for FYF Fest, Goldenvoice, and parent company AEG Live.
