Time: 2024-07-13
Neutral Milk Hotel bassist Julian Koster has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a woman when she was in her teens . In a series of Instagram posts starting July 9 , Anna " Nesey " Gallons , a musician and member of the Elephant 6 Collective , alleged that Koster began grooming her in 2000 when she was 15 and he was in his late 20s . Gallons claims that their relationship turned sexual when she was 16 in April 2001 , constituting grooming by common definitions . She further alleged that Koster sexually assaulted her twice in the summer of 2005 . Koster has denied these allegations , stating that he and Gallons entered a consensual relationship in 2001 when she was 16 and he was 28.
Koster acknowledged the relationship with Gallons but refuted the other allegations made against him . He claimed that Gallons and her spouse have been trying to coerce him into a romantic relationship with them , demanding marriage , financial support , and control over him . Koster stated that he was seeking an order of protection from both Gallons and her husband due to their threatening and manipulative behavior . He emphasized that despite the consensual relationship they had , he had been working towards building a friendship with Gallons in recent years and listening to her pain.
In her original Instagram post , Gallons mentioned that others close to Koster , including Neutral Milk Hotel 's founder Jeff Mangum , were aware of the relationship but did not intervene . She expressed disappointment in their inaction and noted that the issue could have been addressed earlier by responsible adults in the community . Gallons also highlighted the psychological and emotional manipulation she experienced , which prevented her from reporting Koster 's actions for many years.
Reflecting on her experiences , Gallons shared personal details about her life , including being a trans woman , her marriage to a trans man , and their two children . She opened up about her mental health struggles , history of alcoholism , and childhood sexual abuse . Gallons emphasized the importance of radical forgiveness and highlighted the lack of proper sex education and the impact of capitalism on the neurodivergent and queer community . Despite the challenges she faced , Gallons expressed a desire for peace and closure , stating that telling her truth had been both relieving and upsetting.
Koster 's statement detailed his perspective on the situation , highlighting the abuse , manipulation , and intimidation he had faced from Gallons and her spouse . He reiterated his efforts to approach people with empathy and love , denying the accusations made against him . Koster emphasized the need to stay safe from his abusers and expressed gratitude for the support of friends who knew the truth . The situation remains complex and challenging for all parties involved , with a focus on finding peace and resolution in the midst of the allegations and denials.
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