Who Is Kirt Webster? Kid Rock's Publicist Accused Of Sexual Assault

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and similar reports of alleged Hollywood sexual misconduct, a former country singer has accused prominent public relations executive Kirk Webster of sexual assault. Webster represents high-profile clients such as actress Dolly Parton and recording artist Kid Rock.

Austin Rick, who performed under the moniker Austin Cody, posted his story Friday on Facebook.

"The point of my message is, selfishly, the hope that getting it out of my own head and to you and a few industry folks finally, will help me reach some kind of relief/peace of mind," he wrote.

Rick, who moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2008 to pursue a county music career, said he was introduced to Webster shortly after.

"Yeah, I was finishing high school when I made a little demo album with a vocal producer up there in Maryland, and sent it down there to Daren Smith and The Dancehall Doctors, and when they got a hold of it, I guess they liked what they heard," Rick told the Nashville Scene Tuesday.

Rick then began working with producer Brett Beavers, who introduced him to Webster, he said.

The Maryland-born singer accused Webster of sexual assault, forced acts of sexual favors and being drugged. He told the Scene that Webster once groped his genitals in a hot tub. He recounted another story, claiming to have passed out after drinking, only to find himself in the bed with Webster, who allegedly attempted unwanted physical contact with the singer.

"I started working with Kirt, and before I knew it, it didn't take long before I was trapped in a hellhole that I could not get out of," Rick told the Scene. "I trusted him completely, and he wanted to make me a star just long enough to sexually molest and abuse me. And I remember one time he told me, 'I want there to be fireworks in your career, but only if there's fireworks between us.' And that was like pretty early on in our relationship."

Webster has denied Rick’s allegations through a statement from a spokesperson.

"As a single adult, Mr. Webster has had multiple relationships over the course of his professional life, all of which have been consensual," the statement said. "This includes a brief relationship with Mr. Rick. It saddens Mr. Webster that nine years later, after Mr. Rick’s music career has been stagnant, Mr. Rick has taken the opportunistic approach of mischaracterizing that relationship and posting untrue allegations."

Rick’s claims against Webster come amid a multitude of reports detailing similar stories of alleged sexual misconduct by prominent Hollywood figures including director Brett Ratner and actor Kevin Spacey. Rick said he came forward in hopes of preventing such behavior from occurring to others.

"For years, I was so ashamed, and since then, I've overdosed once and I've slit my wrists another time," Rick said. "I've been in therapy for seven years. I just want to try to get some validation that I am still a worthwhile person, while at the same time, making sure that no other victim is his again."