Upcoming concerts in London and Manchester featuring Jared Leto and his band Thirty Seconds to Mars are reportedly at risk of cancellation as organizers engage in crisis talks. The potential cancellations follow the broadcast of a BBC documentary, "Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret," which presents allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against the Oscar-winning actor and musician.
Sources indicate that music promoters SJM and Live Nation are considering scrapping the shows, scheduled for April 28 at London's O2 Arena and April 29 at Manchester's Co-op Live, after learning about the accusations. Insiders suggest that those involved in organizing the UK performances were unaware of the allegations and are prepared to sever ties with Leto.
The BBC documentary features testimony from several women who claim to have experienced misconduct. One woman, Clara, alleges that she engaged in sex with Leto in California when she was 17, an age that would constitute statutory rape in the state. She claims Leto dismissed her concerns about her age. Another woman, Isabel, states she was also 17 when Leto sexually assaulted her in a motel bathroom. Alex reports being 19 when Leto allegedly threatened her at a London hotel after inviting her to a concert. Etta claims she was 16 when she received sexually explicit phone calls from the actor, followed by a non-disclosure agreement she refused to sign.
A former staff member anonymously told the documentary that they were tasked with bringing young women backstage to meet Leto and arranging for models to attend his concerts. Another former employee described Leto as one of the worst people they had ever worked for.
Leto has vehemently denied all allegations, stating, "I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false."
Concerns about controversy are reportedly high among organizers, who are mindful of past incidents, such as the cancellation of the Wireless Festival due to backlash over booking Kanye West. A music industry source stated that all parties involved are taking the allegations seriously and evaluating their options.
The documentary highlights a pattern where many alleged incidents occurred against the backdrop of Leto's music career. This comes after similar allegations surfaced online last year, prompted by a post from Los Angeles DJ Allie Teilz, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by Leto when she was 17.
Despite the accusations, Leto, 54, has maintained a prominent career, winning an Oscar in 2014 for his role in "Dallas Buyers Club." He has also appeared in films like "Masters Of The Universe" and the Disney film "Tron: Ares," and serves as a brand ambassador for Gucci. He remains represented by the talent agency William Morris Endeavor.
Commentators have suggested that Leto's prolonged success despite such claims may be due to a combination of factors, including "pretty privilege," a general fatigue with the #MeToo movement, and the influence of powerful figures in Hollywood with vested interests in his career. However, the potential cancellation of his UK concerts suggests a shift in public and industry tolerance towards the allegations.