Audio Up, Jingle Punks exec Jared Gutstadt accused of rape by songwriter in new lawsuit

As a seasoned movie critic with years of experience delving into the darkest corners of human emotion portrayed on screen, I have witnessed tales of love, loss, and triumph that leave me both heartbroken and inspired. However, nothing quite compares to the real-life story unfolding before our very eyes in the case of Jared Gutstadt and his alleged victims.

As a woman who has spent her career dissecting the artistry of film, I am all too familiar with the power dynamics that can exist between creators and their subjects. Yet, the allegations against Gutstadt are not just about artistic control; they are about a man who wielded his influence to manipulate, violate, and traumatize the very people he was supposed to uplift.

Koons’ experiences are a stark reminder of the insidious nature of power abuse in industries like music and film. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be silenced or broken. As she bravely steps forward to share her truth, I can only imagine the immense strength it takes for her to confront the darkness that has defined her life for far too long.

In a world where predators often hide in plain sight, it is essential that we shine a light on their actions and hold them accountable. The entertainment industry must take a hard look at itself and commit to creating safer spaces for all artists, regardless of their gender or position within the hierarchy.

And now, for a little levity: As I reflect on this harrowing tale, I can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, Hollywood has finally found its next great story – one that will leave audiences speechless, heartbroken, and inspired all at once. Let’s hope that this time, the script is written by the survivors themselves.

A fresh legal claim alleges that Jared Gutstadt, a prominent figure in LA’s music publishing and podcast industry, founder of Audio Up and Jingle Punks, has been accused of sexual assault and rape against one of his company’s musical composers.

In a lawsuit submitted on December 31 at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Scarlett Burke (previously known as Mary Koons) accuses Gutstadt of subjecting her to prolonged psychological manipulation, physical abuse, and sexual misconduct over several years. The accusations encompass multiple instances of rape, sex trafficking, obstructing career advancements when she rejected his advances, and persistent stalking, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation after she tried to disassociate from him.

In an interview, Koons expressed that she felt a strong sense of revulsion and embarrassment regarding her encounter with Gutstadt. She found it incredibly challenging to assert herself against him, as if he believed he had the right to control every aspect of her life and person.

Representatives for Gutstadt declined to comment on the suit.

Gabrielle Rosen Harvey, a lawyer at Filippatos PLLC, speaking on behalf of Koons, expressed admiration for Scarlett Burke, our brave client, for stepping up to prevent similar incidents inflicted by Mr. Gutstadt from recurring towards other aspiring artists.

In the realms of music and audio production, Gutstadt gained recognition for his companies that provided promising prospects to aspiring composers and artists. He established Jingle Punks, a business dealing in library music and licensing for films and television, back in 2008. This venture was later sold for an eight-figure sum to WME in 2012. Fast forward to 2020, he launched Audio Up – a platform where musicians can create and perform scripted podcast musicals. This initiative received a $4.5 million investment from MGM and other investors. Notable artists like Miranda Lambert and Machine Gun Kelly have worked with Audio Up, and it has also attracted investments from The Weeknd and partnered with music publishing firm Anthem Entertainment.

Actress, musician, and model named Koons claimed in her lawsuit that she encountered Gutstadt at the Peppermint Club in West Hollywood during 2017. Subsequently, his company featured one of her recordings on the Netflix series “Girls Incarcerated,” which led to him showering Ms. Koons with extravagant presents and gestures. The pair later collaborated on the podcast musical “Make It Up as We Go Along,” a production that tells the story of a fictional singer-songwriter, reminiscent of “A Star Is Born.

In a lawsuit she filed, Koons claims that during a work trip to Nashville in 2017, Gutstadt took her to his hotel room and forcefully made her touch his genitals, which was the start of several alleged assaults. “Since Mr. Gutstadt had significant influence over all aspects of Ms. Koons’ life, he used this control through ongoing threats to ruin her career,” the lawsuit stated.

In 2019, following a meeting where Koons requested contract renegotiations, she claims in her lawsuit that “Mr. Gutstadt became physically abusive, striking Koons, her pet, and damaging her belongings.” Later that year, after a heated dispute in a hotel room in Santa Barbara, according to the suit, Gutstadt “suddenly attacked her, forcing her to the ground, pinning her arms to the bed, causing visible bruises.” Koons stated that she would frequently retreat to a guest bedroom at the Audio Up property to avoid Gutstadt, but “in a drunken fit of rage, Gutstadt would force his way in… or pick the lock.

In her lawsuit, Koons asserts that Gutstadt sexually assaulted her in Los Angeles during a recording session in 2022. She explains that she awoke to find Gutstadt on top of her, raping her while she was asleep. When Koons became aware of the situation, she claims she remained frozen out of fear, until Gutstadt had finished. Later, when she confronted him, Koons alleges that he denied the assault and told her “Shut up… nobody raped you.” Additionally, she asserts in her lawsuit that he raped her again in a Pasadena hotel room during an Audio Up songwriting retreat in 2023.

This year, Koons severed connections with Gutstadt and Audio Up. In her lawsuit, she stated that the PTSD stemming from her association with him affects all facets of her daily life.

Koons shared in an interview, “I’ve had countless frightening dreams about this situation. It’s hard to express the level of anxiety I feel. I’m even apprehensive about walking my dog due to lingering fears he might hurt me. Yet, I’m determined to rediscover myself without this person overshadowing my life and relationships. I find myself recalling the individual and songwriter I once was before our encounter, and I yearn to return to that version of myself.

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2024-12-31 22:01