Fame Academy Star Who Sexually Abused Andy Carroll Preached Kindness

Kevin Adams, a former dance coach on the BBC show Fame Academy who was convicted of sexually assaulting former Premier League striker Andy Carroll, previously delivered messages about kindness and personal responsibility. Adams, 59, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in 2023 for the assault, which occurred while Carroll was sleeping. Carroll, 37, revealed the abuse in his recent book, stating it has had a "devastating impact" on his life and loved ones.

In a Sky News interview approximately six years ago, Adams espoused the importance of kindness and taking accountability. "People say you should be kind to people," he said. "And if you've got nothing good to say, say nothing." He also urged listeners to consider their role in worsening others' situations, stating, "As individuals, we have to take ownership. If we helped to make someone's situation worse or if we've done that in the past, we need to think about that."

Adams, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, made these remarks in the wake of Caroline Flack's death in 2020. He also suggested that people should refrain from negativity on social media and "leave them alone" if they have nothing positive to contribute. "Remember, no one is perfect," he added. "If you've got nothing to say, say nothing."

During his trial in 2023, Adams was accused of fabricating a narrative where he portrayed himself as the victim and falsely claimed the sexual encounter with Carroll was consensual. Judge Mary Loram told him, "You spun a literally incredible tale in which you painted yourself as the victim. You've actually started to believe your own lies."

Carroll stated in his book that the assault occurred in 2021, though court documents reportedly place it in 2019. He described waking up after having drinks to find Adams attempting to assault him. Carroll stated he threw Adams out of his house and knocked him unconscious when he tried to re-enter. The former footballer reported the incident to the police and described the court process as "humiliating and embarrassing and absolutely horrendous."

Adams's daughter revealed that she had not had contact with her father for many years. His mother also stated she was unaware of the assault or his imprisonment.

Adams previously ran a children's dance school, the Kevin Adams Academy, in Harlow, Essex, which ceased operations in 2022. He was known for his role on the BBC's Fame Academy, which aired between 2002 and 2003. He also worked as a TV presenter for GMTV and Sky. Adams was married in 2005, with the ceremony attended by notable figures. He and his ex-wife had two daughters, but his marriage and relationships with his children reportedly broke down, with no contact for a decade.

Carroll, who now plays for National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge and serves as assistant manager, detailed the attack in his autobiography, "Owning It." He wrote that he initially kept the attacker's identity private but revealed it was Adams after his name appeared in court documents. Carroll hopes that sharing his story will allow him to move forward, stating, "Hopefully now I can finally start to put this chapter behind me."

Adams was found guilty of sexual offenses, placed on the sex offender register, and banned from entering the village where Carroll lives.