RI Music Star Accused of Sexual Assault in Nashville
Monday, May 20, 2019
Joe Fletcher was an emerging music star in Rhode Island a few years ago.
He was the guy to watch and then, he was off to Nashville and launched new albums and hooked up with big talents.
Now, he is being accused of sexual assault and he, in turn, is suing one of his accusers.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOne of his songs is titled, “You’ve got the wrong man.”
13 to Watch in 2013
“If you haven't heard Joe Fletcher and his band The Wrong Reasons, you need to get your plans in order, as this local band fronted by the talented and charismatic Fletcher is the next great Rhode Island group poised for national celebrity," wrote GoLocal in 2012 in naming him one of the 13 to Watch in 2013.
“Fletcher and the band emerged out of an ever-growing pool of top local talent to stand out in 2012, especially at this year's Newport Folk Festival where they played the Quad stage among the country's top acts. 'With a down-home rock and roll sound that makes you think of late-50's rockers like Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash as well as having a contemporary style that resonates the influences of musicians like Nick Cave, Fletcher's music is catchy, infectious and is guaranteed to put you in a good mood while grooving to the rhythms'," wrote GoLocal.
Last week, Nashville Scene — a weekly alt-newspaper in the music capital — reported that multiple women have alleged that they were sexually assaulted by Fletcher, and that he has in return sued one of the accusers for harassment.
Fletcher denies the assault charges, but does admit he knowingly infected multiple partners with sexually transmitted diseases.
"He admits to having unprotected sex without disclosing his STD status. 'That’s probably the thing I’m most embarrassed about,' he says. 'That is the one thing that I feel absolutely horrible about,' wrote Nashville Scene reporter Megan Seling.
Further, Fletcher posted a comment to the story claiming that he had to file the suit to protect his reputation and to correct misrepresentations in the article.
“On December 27, 2018, nearly a month before I filed a civil lawsuit against Rebecah Boynton for slander, liable, and harassment, I learned that she had contacted The Scene in an effort to get a story like this one published. The author of this article, Megan Seling, contacted me for comment on this case for the first time nearly four months later, on April 11, 2019, just four days before it was originally scheduled to go to press. Ms. Seling had been in the courtroom earlier that morning when my lawyer and Ms. Boynton’s lawyer appeared before a judge to announce that both parties were very close to signing a non-disclosure agreement,” wrote Fletcher.
"I am unable to submit any comments at this time other than a thank you for all the messages of support and encouragement for my dad and me from so many people in Providence," wrote Fletcher's accuser in an email to GoLocalProv.com.
“The terms of this agreement would forbid me or the defendant from ever discussing this case with the media among other restrictions. I filed this lawsuit in January 2019 because, after exhausting every possible avenue to protect and defend myself, I had no other option. Five police officers, two domestic violence detectives, and the district attorney's office all assured me that a small claims civil case was my only recourse. Unlike a typical SLAPP lawsuit, I filed the case for a very low dollar amount ($4,245) in an attempt to recover money for the financial losses tied to Rebecah's actions. I prepared to represent myself until, less than a week before our initial court date, I was served with a countersuit prepared by Rebecah's lawyer for $25,000, the maximum in Tennessee small claims court. I truly believe that so much good has come and will continue to come from the #METOO movement,” wrote Fletcher.
Multiple people in Rhode Island who know Fletcher refused to comment about him and said they have distanced themselves from Fletchers as stories emerged.
Fletcher Admits “Sleazy Behavior”
Beyond admitting passing along STDs, Fletcher says he regrets other incidents. “I regret the many sleazy situations I put myself and others in when I was younger and living an addict's life. I'm deeply sorry to the people who I have caused any pain. In 2016, I voluntarily entered a 60 day treatment program to address some serious issues which had shaped me into a man that I did not want to be. I have made the necessary discoveries and changes to put that life behind me and it's been that way for years. The people that have been close to me during this time know this to be true. I have never been violent with a woman, and I have never sexually assaulted a woman,” writes Fletcher.
Fletcher Says Women and Reporter to Blame
Fletcher continues to blame his accuser and also says the reporter for the Nashville Scene worked against him, “I will not let bullies like Ms. Boynton force me to assume the shame of their lies. I will not let the agendas of unethical reporters force me into hiding. I can hold my head high knowing that I have addressed my shortcomings in a very serious manner and I have benefited greatly from it. I am not a threat to anyone in this community or any other. Rather, I am seeking justice to hold the actual threat accountable for her actions.”
Fletcher did not respond to requests for an interview.
Boynton, when reached, said she could not comment in light of ongoing legal proceedings.
"I am unable to submit any comments at this time other than a thank you for all the messages of support and encouragement for my dad and me from so many people in Providence," said Boynton when contacted by GoLocalProv.
Updated Monday 8:13 AM
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