Country music star Jimmie Allen recently (April 23) opened up about a harrowing chapter in his life during a candid conversation with Kathie Lee Gifford. The singer-songwriter sat down with Gifford at her breathtaking Tennessee home to recount a dark moment when he contemplated suicide amidst sexual assault allegations that rocked his world.

In May 2023, Allen faced accusations of assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment, sex trafficking, and emotional distress from his former manager. Jane Doe later dropped the chargers. Despite vehemently denying the allegations, Allen expressed remorse to his family for the pain caused by an extramarital affair.

BBR Music Group suspended him following the incident, and he was removed from the CMA Fest lineup. Shortly after, two more women filed lawsuits against Allen for sexual abuse, to which he responded with counterclaims – asserting the encounters were consensual. These legal battles and lost business opportunities plunged Allen into a profound state of despair. Allen recalled contemplating suicide, driven by a sense of hopelessness and financial strain. 

"It hit me. My life insurance covers suicide," Allen told Gifford. "I don't feel that way now, but in that moment, when you feel like you have nothing in the midst of a society where it's no longer innocent until proven guilty, you know you're guilty. She said this, so it must be true." 

Allen was in a hotel room alone when he received a timely text from a friend. It was a simple message that saved his life. However, the support from fellow artists also encouraged Allen to seek professional help and eventually emerge from the darkness.

"I moved everything over to one phone, all my evidence, pictures, text messages, videos, everything," he explained. "I was putting bullets in my gun clip. Right when I put the last bullet in, this was the freaky thing. I don't get notifications on my phone...a text came through." 

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He continued, "My friend Chuck [Adams] texted me. He said, 'Ending it isn't the answer.' When I read those words that he texted me, I read them again. I just stopped. I remember I called one of my buddies, and he came up. I gave him my gun. I said, 'Take it. I don't need it.' My mom flew in, and then I started receiving phone calls from different artists checking in on me, saying they love me, they care about me, they know who I am." 

Despite ongoing struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, Allen has found purpose in being honest with himself and others, particularly for the sake of his children. He is the father to his son Aadyn, aged 9 from a previous relationship, as well as daughters Naomi, aged 4, and Zara, aged 2, and son Cohen, who is just 6 months old, from his estranged wife Alexis Gale. Additionally, he welcomed twins Amari and Aria last summer with a friend named Danielle. 

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"Every single day, I remember battling: Do I want to live? Do I not want to live?" questioned the chart-topping artist. "When bills get due. I'm like, 'Man, my family would have X amount of dollars if I would've took care of something,' but I realized that's not the way to do it. After a few months, I started to look at the situation different. It went from 'God, why is this happening to me?' to 'God, what am I supposed to learn?'" 

Nearly a year after the initial lawsuit, Allen's revelations shed light on the toll of mental health challenges amidst public scrutiny and legal battles. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking support and finding hope in the darkest of times.

"[I want] to continue to be honest with myself and being honest with everyone else," he added. "I am healing and growing for me and my children." 

Fan Of View: Allen's journey is undeniably heartbreaking, yet profoundly eye-opening. His candid revelations about the emotional turmoil and suicidal thoughts he experienced following the sexual assault lawsuits shed light on the immense toll such allegations can take on an individual's mental health. Despite facing immense challenges, Allen's story serves as a beacon of hope for others struggling with mental illness – highlighting the importance of seeking help and finding strength in the support of loved ones.

While many fans within the country music scene are eager to welcome Allen back with open arms and empathize with his difficult journey, there are also those who feel that he should still be held accountable for his actions. This dichotomy underscores the complexities of addressing issues of accountability and forgiveness within the context of personal and public struggles.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. 

Photo Credit: @jimmieallen on Instagram.