Boyd Tinsley Responds To Sexual Harrasement Allegations

Yesterday, former Crystal Garden trumpeter James Frost-Winn filed a lawsuit against longtime Dave Matthews Band violinist Boyd Tinsley alleging sexual misconduct. Frost-Winn’s claims that Tinsley sexually harassed and assaulted him at various points during his tenure in the Tinsley-created Crystal Garden were first reported by Consequence of Sound. Tinsley has issued a statement denying Frost-Winn’s account.

“I’m truly hurt by the one-sided account that appeared on a blog about me yesterday,” said Tinsley via a publicist in a statement to NPR. “I only wish the reporter had spoken to me first, so they would have heard the truth. I will defend myself against these false accusations. I can only assume the motivation for the article and the lawsuit filed against me. These accusations have caused embarrassment for my family, my friends and my fans. I will fight both in and out of court to repair the damage that has been done.”

Consequence of Sound’s report from yesterday stated, “Tinsley did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story.” In a statement released late Thursday night, Dave Matthews Band distanced themselves from Tinsley. “Though Boyd is no longer a member of the band, we are shocked by these disturbing allegations and we were not previously aware of them,” reads the statement the group issued to several publications.

According to the initial article, James Frost-Winn sent a demand letter to Boyd Tinsley on February 2. Tinsley announced his decision to take a break from the Dave Matthews Band later that day. DMB begins their first tour since 2016 tonight in The Woodlands, Texas.