Jimmie Allen fans compare him to Prince as he evolves his look
Diving into Jimmie Allen's closet is like swimming through a wardrobe curated by cowboys, pop singers and dudes who love to hunt.
Lately, however, the country superstar has signaled he's rebranding his image and is ditching his signature wide-brim hat for more of an R&B/hip-hop flavor.
This change comes after two women filed lawsuits against the singer for sexual assault earlier this year, which led to Allen countersuing both ladies. No charges have been filed against Allen.
In a new Instagram post he shared on Sunday Dec. 10 — Allen sports a baseball cap, an electric purple jacket with sparkly skinny jeans, and purple boots. The outfit is a blend of his flashy approach to country fashion meshed with R&B/hip-hop flavor.
Fans on IG overwhelmingly poured in approval for the singer's "Purple Rain" vibes.
"@prince would be jealous of your purple boots Jimmie!" a supporter said. "Nailed it like always!! Where did you get those jeans? Omg!!" another fan commented, along with "OK purple rain," said a third person.
Allen will deck the halls in Dewey Beach with two charity Christmas concerts this weekend. Tickets are still available for the second night.
That second show is at the Bottle & Cork on Saturday, Dec. 16. Both shows will benefit Sussex Consortium.
The first show, which is sold out, is an acoustic set for all ages. The second concert features a full band and will be for ages 21 or older.
Here's a timeline of events that occurred before and after Allen's first lawsuit was filed against him in the spring.
April 21: Jimmie Allen announces split from wife
The "Slower Lower Delaware" singer posted on Instagram that he and his pregnant wife Alexis Gale are separating.
"Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another," Allen wrote.
Gale shared a similar post on IG, requesting "privacy during this time."
The couple, who are both Milton natives, married in a private ceremony in 2020, followed by a larger celebration in 2021, Gale said in an interview with People.com.
Gale and Allen are already parents to two daughters, 18-month-old Zara James and 3-year-old Naomi Bettie. Allen also has an 8-year-old son, Aadyn, from a previous relationship.
Milton superstar Jimmie Allen & wife: Welcome birth of third child
May 11: Allen hit with lawsuit from ex-manager
An 18-page lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee by Allen's former day-to-day manager, who is identified as Jane Doe.
Her lawsuit brings six counts against Allen, including sex trafficking, battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
According to the lawsuit, Allen raped the former manager and insisted she use a Plan B contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.
The lawsuit stated the singer used his position of power to abuse her for 18 months, from May 2020 to 2022.
Through the civil lawsuit, the former manager seeks compensatory, incidental, consequential, punitive damages, plus attorneys' fees and costs.
May 11: Allen rejects claims
Through a statement provided by his attorney, Allen confirmed that he and the first plaintiff had a sexual relationship, but claimed it was consensual.
“It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever,” Allen’s statement reads.
“I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely. Only after things ended between us, did she hire a lawyer to reach out and ask for money, which leads me to question her motives."
May 11: BBR Music Group suspends Allen
Hours after the lawsuit against Allen went public, the record label BBR Music Group announced they're suspending the artist.
"In light of today’s allegations against Jimmie Allen, BBR Music Group has decided to suspend all activity with him, effective immediately."
May 11: Allen removed from CMA Fest
The Grammy-nominated singer was originally slated to play the CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on June 11, before his name was removed from the lineup, Rolling Stone reported.
May 11: Publicist moves on from Allen
Public relations firm Full Coverage Communications cut ties with Allen, Billboard reported.
May 11: DSU graduation loses Allen
The evening before Delaware State University's undergraduate commencement ceremony, DSU issued a statement saying Allen, an alum of the school, notified them he was canceling his commitment to be a keynote speaker at the event.
U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester replaced Allen as keynote speaker.
May 12: Booking agency, manager suspend Allen
The next day (a Friday), the booking company United Talent Agency and management firm Familie both announced they suspended the star singer, Variety reported.
A spokesperson for UTA told Variety, “We have suspended our representation of Jimmie Allen due to the recent allegations against him, which we take seriously.”
May 16: Allen's ice cream deal might've melted
Allen's ice cream deal we wrote about in March might've gone sour already, due to the recent abuse claims against him.
Allen collaborated with The Frozen Farmer, a Bridgeville-based farm and creamery, to produce a new ice cream flavor inspired by his mother's beloved peach cobbler.
On May 16, TMZ reported that Allen's new ice cream is no longer available on The Frozen Farmer's website. No one is commenting, TMZ says.
May 17: Allen shares post on Instagram Stories
The "Best Shot" singer posted this message in his Instagram stories: "We Gonna Be Alright ... This Too Shall Pass," which included an emoji with prayer hands, Billboard reported.
Billboard also reported a separate Instagram Stories post from Allen that featured a promo photo of the song "God Only Knows," recorded by the sibling Christian duo for King & Country. The brothers headlined the Delaware State Fair in 2016.
May 18: On Instagram, Allen apologizes to wife
The country artist hopped on Instagram and shared a long apology to his wife and children "for being a poor example of a man and a father."
The singer continued, "I'm working on becoming a better person that my kids can be proud of. My goal is to be better than the generation before me.
"This business takes so much from you. It's full of temptations that can cripple you and ruin everything you've built. I'm ashamed that I wasn't strong enough to withstand them. I will no longer be a victim of my weaknesses.
"I challenge everyone to seek help when they need it. Do not be afraid of your weaknesses, surround yourself with people what WILL help you. Be Blessed,'' Allen continued.
May 24: Is the Bettie James Fest happening?
Will Allen return to Hudson Fields in August to launch his third annual Bettie James Fest? Highway One, which produces all of the big concerts at Hudson Fields, didn't officially say no.
"It's a little too early to comment on that," Alex Pires, owner of Highway One, told Delaware Online/The News Journal.
Allen's attorney didn't immediately respond to Delaware Online/The News Journal's request for comment about the festival's status.
In 2021, Allen launched his inaugural Bettie James Fest to a sold-out crowd in his backyard at Hudson Fields in Milton. The lineup included fellow Delaware stars DJ Jazzy Jeff and country singer Chuck Wicks.
The August festival returned last year with a roster that included Lainey Wilson, who is headlining this year's Delaware State Fair on July 26.
But it looks like there probably won't be a third Bettie James Fest this year, especially since there's been no mention of the lineup yet.
The name Bettie James is a tribute to Allen’s late father, James Allen, and late grandmother, Bettie Snead.
May 28: Allen is selling his mansion
According to a May 28 report, TMZ stated that Allen was selling his Tennessee mansion for $2.5 million. On May 30, NBC shared a property listing of Allen’s home, which is listed as being 4,853 square feet.
May 29: Allen posts a love song to Instagram
The singer began sharing a string of his song snippets on Instagram, and these tunes appear to be new songs. The love song he posted on May 29, which didn't feature a photo caption, included the lyrics below:
"Your affection Your attention, I want it all Conservation Going straight back It's Last call Loving every inch of our connection Every word falling out I'm listening I'm a say, I'm feeling selfish I wanna be on every call you make When you need a smile on a bad day."
June 2: Allen posts new Instagram photo
The singer-songwriter uploaded a photo of himself standing on one leg while throwing up a double-peace sign with his hands. The only message in the photo caption were two emojis: a purple peace sign and an emoji of a single hand chucking up a deuce.
June 6: Allen posted 'Same Friends' on Instagram
Allen shared a snippet of a trap-country song titled "Same Friends." On the track, the platinum artist is rapping and singing about his loyalty to still hanging with his old crew of friends and how the only thing that's changed is now they're just a little richer.
June 7: Allen posts another track to Instagram
Continuing his trend of posting song snippets, Allen uploaded a dance tune that has a disco/R&B vibe. The song is about being infatuated with a woman, which includes the desire to dance with her.
Here are some of the lyrics:
"What we got tonight is a vibe I can't lie They can't kill it if they tried Couple goes trending through the night A million likes Girl they can't deny That what we got right here is amazing Seeing what [God or a guy] can do with some patience Let's make tonight one for the ages Scripted love made for stages."
June 8: Allen posts 'Cliche' to Instagram
A snippet of a song titled "Cliche" was posted to Allen's Instagram account. The foot-stomping tune highlights country life, from drinking on Friday nights to hanging out on a farm.
June 9: Second woman accuses Allen of assault
Allen's second accuser, identified as Jane Doe 2, filed a lawsuit Friday in Tennessee demanding a jury trial while claiming that the musician filmed a sexual encounter she had with him secretly, without her consent, according to the complaint obtained by USA TODAY.
The anonymous accuser also claimed Allen continued pursuing sexual contact with her after she told him she no longer gave consent.
USA TODAY has reached out to Allen's reps and his attorney for comment.
In the lawsuit filed Friday, the second accuser says she met Allen on a flight to Nashville on May 1, 2022, and gave his bodyguard her phone number later.
After a night out and a couple months of communication, she said she agreed to meet with Allen at a hotel in Las Vegas, where the singer assured her she'd have her own room. At the time, Allen had made claims about being in love with her and said he was separated from his wife, according to the lawsuit.
She said she joined Allen in his bedroom "willingly," but things took a turn.
"He told her he would respect her request" to have sex with a condom, the suit said. "Yet, as their encounter progressed, Allen penetrated Plaintiff during sex with his penis and without a condom. Allen told Plaintiff he wanted to get her pregnant. Plaintiff said no," the lawsuit says.
Allen refused to stop and passed out on the bed afterward, according to the complaint.
That Allen has now been accused by a second person gives additional salt to the first case against him, says attorney Elizabeth Fegan, who is representing both accusers and previously brought sex trafficking claims against Harvey Weinstein.
"It gives corroboration or veracity to the fact that Allen has engaged in a series of predatory sexual acts," Fagen tells USA TODAY.
"If you say 'no' during the course of sexual relations, the other person has to stop," Fagen says. "So you can set boundaries at any time during the course of physical touch. And it doesn't matter how far along you are."
As Jane Doe 2 was leaving the room after the encounter, she alleged she saw Allen's phone in the closet and discovered it was filming, aimed at the bed. She said she deleted the footage and after she was unable to wake him, she took his phone and turned it in to her local police department when she returned home, who said they would report it to the Las Vegas police.
June 9: BBR Music Group drops Allen
After it became public that a second assault lawsuit was filed against Allen, BBR Music Group announced they released the singer-songwriter from their record label, Variety reported.
“BBR Music Group has dissolved its relationship with Jimmie Allen,” according to a statement the label sent Variety. “He is no longer an active artist on its roster.”
June 23: Terrell Owens and Allen play celebrity game
Allen shared a photo of himself with NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, a former Philadelphia Eagle, at the Battle Downtown Celebrity Softball Game in Michigan. This may have been the first public appearance Allen made since getting released from his label.
July 2, Allen performs at Paradise Grill
Allen has been sighted on social media in various places in lower Delaware, since late June. On July 2, the singer cruised on a boat with his daughters and wife to Paradise Grill in Long Neck.
Allen was at the restaurant to enjoy a meal with his family.
Singer-songwriter Brian McConnell stopped his set and invited Allen to perform. The "Best Shot" singer played two songs. This may have been Allen's first public performance since he was released from his label.
July 3: Allen headed 'on tour in September,' fan says
Milton native Chris Lovenguth helped Allen and his family out of the boat when the country star arrived at Paradise Grill.
On July 3, Lovenguth told The News Journal/Delaware Online that he spoke to Allen at Paradise Grill and singer was in good spirits with his family.
"(Allen) seems to be doing good. He's relaxing a little bit. He's going back on tour in September, he told me," Lovenguth explained.
July 4: Allen announces he's playing in Duffy's Hope Celebrity Game
The Milton country superstar is in a Instagram video promoting the 19th annual Duffy's Hope Celebrity Game at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington on Aug. 5. The singer says he's playing in the event.
July 13: Allen countersues both women who claimed he assaulted them
The country star is countersuing two women who have filed lawsuits against him for sexual assault.
He filed documents against both accusers in Tennessee on Thursday, according to Billboard and People.
Allen filed the suits in order to "protect my reputation and refute these claims that have caused severe damage to my family, mental health and business," he told People in a statement.
July 13: Allen and wife aim to keep their family together
Allen and his wife strive to keep their marriage together, according to People.
“The divorce case is still pending, as my wife and I are working to resolve things together as a family,” he told People.
July 15: Allen getting ready for Bottle & Cork concert
The Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach announced on its Facebook page that Allen is returning to the venue on Sept. 29. The concert is titled "There's No Place Like Home." This show will mark Allen's first Delaware concert since 2022.
July 16: Allen posts the song 'God Bless This Dirt' on Instagram
Allen has posted a string of his songs to his Instagram lately, with the most recent being a snipped titled "God Bless This Dirt," a slow piano tune seems influenced by the trials and tribulations he's endured over the last couple of months.
The lyrics from the song are:
"I worked my whole life for this / Few acres outside of town / And I've always pictured this moment / And this morning they're gonna start breaking ground / This is gonna be where it outta be / Let me drop down to my knees right now /And turn this house into a home sweet home / And paint some memories on these walls / And keep this family together forever and ever / I know that prayer — it works / So God bless this dirt."
July 16: Chuck Wicks supports Allen on Instagram
For most of the summer, Allen disabled the comments on his Instagram posts. But he recently began turning his comments back on, revealing an outpouring of support from fans and friends. This includes a comment from Smyrna country star Chuck Wicks, who showed love to Allen under his post for the “God Bless This Dirt” snippet.
“Keep moving forward buddy. ?? ,” Wicks wrote.
July 27: Allen announces 'I Said What I Said' comedy tour
Allen revealed that he plans to tackle an entirely new corner of the entertainment industry by launching a comedy tour this fall titled "I Said What I Said."
The announcement came via the Delaware country superstar's Instagram account, as Allen promoted the three night, invite-only comedy tour set to kick off in October.
The Instagram post's photo says dates are coming soon, and there's no mention of where the performances will be.
July 30: Allen to play celebrity benefit concert for veterans
The Milton native shared on his Instagram that he's doing a celebrity benefit concert to honor veterans.
The inaugural "Salute to American Heroes" event is at OCC Road House Museum in Clearwater, Florida on Saturday, Nov. 4.
"My father served in our military and saw combat battle. It’s always an honor [to] give back to the brave souls that protect our country," Allen wrote on Instagram.
Aug. 25: Milton Theatre announced Allen did comedy show at Milton Theatre
The Milton Theatre shared photos on Facebook on Aug. 25 that featured Allen on stage doing a surprise comedy show at the venue. Allen was spotted wearing a hoodie at the show that read "CANCEL Cancel Culture."
Aug. 27: Allen says he's coming to Middletown bowling alley
The country star mentioned on Facebook on Aug. 27 that he's hosting a bowling tournament at Mid County Lanes and Entertainment in Middletown on Sept. 9.
Sept. 28: Allen in tears at Delaware homecoming concert
A sold-out room of fans supported Allen for his headline concert in Delaware at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach on Sept. 28, his first since his former manager filed a lawsuit against him in the spring. Allen had an emotional breakdown on stage and burst into tears early during his set, receiving a warm embrace from fans. He played to another sold-out crowd at the venue on Sept. 29.
Oct. 3: Allen's wife shares photo of their new baby
Alexis Gale celebrated the birth of her and Allen's new baby, Cohen Ace James, with a post she made on her Instagram on Oct. 3. According to the Instagram chatter, the baby was born on Sept. 27.
Oct. 25: Fans concerned Allen might leave country music
Allen's fans have been speculating for weeks that Allen might be ditching country.
On Oct. 25, for example, Allen posted a portrait of himself on Instagram sporting hair twists, sunglasses and a leather jacket. It's an edgier look than fans have been accustomed to seeing him rock over the years, compared with the cowboy hats, wide-brim suit jackets and occasional short haircut he’s known to showcase.
The photo caption from his Oct. 25 post included lines from the song "Lost One" by rapper Jay-Z. (For context, Jay-Z is nicknamed Hov or "Jay-Hova.")
Allen's caption read: "I heard mutha #%#! Saying they made HOV." The singer's fans reacted to his post.
"Noooooo. Jimmy please tell me you aren’t crossing over to the other side," a concerned fan wrote. "Please come back to County," pleaded another supporter.
Not everyone, however, disapproved of Allen's post.
"I have to admit, I’m loving the new style. It definitely suits you," cosigned a fan. "My man! Love ya," cheered another fan.
Oct. 30: Bottle & Cork announces Allen is playing two Christmas shows
The Bottle & Cork announced Allen will deck the halls in Dewey Beach with two charity Christmas concerts. The first show is at the Rusty Rudder on Dec. 15, and it sold it out by Dec. 2.
That second show is at the Bottle & Cork on Saturday, Dec. 16. Both shows will benefit Sussex Consortium.
Nov. 3: Allen sells his Tennessee home for $1.75 million, TMZ says
TMZ first reported on Nov. 3, that the Delaware country star sold his house in Brentwood, Tennessee for $1.75 million.
Nov. 9: Allen teases new video, 'Better Now'
The Milton country superstar shared on Instagram he's dropping a new single titled "Better Now" on Nov. 17. To better understand Allen's new teaser video, here's the backdrop to the first teaser he shared on IG the earlier in the month.
It's a short clip that opens with the words "Somewhere Down Home .... ." The video doesn't have any music, and it shows the singer in a field where he’s starting a fire in a rusty barrel. It ends with the message "11.17.23."
The second teaser Allen posted on Wednesday is similar. The artist is sporting a bandana and twists in his hair, while rocking a hoodie, skinny jeans and cowboy boots.
Allen starts another fire. This time he sips on a cold drink and sets a wide-brim hat on fire, followed by a carboard sign with the letters "BBR." It ends with Allen smiling at the camera.
Nov. 17: Allen drops 'Better Now'
The singer's infidelity might've inspired his new song. In "Better Now" the country star croons the lyrics:
"Who I was. Isn't who I've been.
I see the light is so much better than the shadows I've been living in.
Life's been. Open my eyes and. There's still a lot I gotta figure out
I just hope you're better now."
Nov. 27: Allen releases first chapter for music video 'Better Now'
The "Chapter 1" version of the song "Better Now" offers a country tune with visuals to match. Allen is seen in a pickup truck in the video, sporting a trucker hat and jean jacket.
Dec. 1: Allen drops second chapter for music video 'Better Now'
The "Chapter 2" version of "Better Now" offers more an R&B vibe. Allen is dancing in the music video and rocking a leather outfit.
Dec. 10: Allen shares 'Purple Rain' outfit on Instagram
In a new Instagram post he shared — Allen sports a baseball cap, an electric purple jacket with sparkly skinny jeans, and purple boots. The outfit is a blend of his flashy approach to country fashion meshed with R&B/hip-hop flavor.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Jimmie Allen takes style points from Prince ahead of holiday shows
