Vince Gill's #MeToo Moment

NASHVILLE, TN -- Vince Gill, one of the most respected and universally beloved superstars in country music, revealed Tuesday he is a victim of sexual assault.

At a special performance at the Ryman Auditorium for this week's Country Radio Seminar, Gill performed a new song, "Forever Changed." The song's protagonist is a young girl dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault, but Gill told the audience it was inspired by an event from his own life.

"I was in seventh grade and a young dumb kid, and I had a gym teacher that acted inappropriately towards me and was trying to do things that I didn't know what the hell was going on, and I was just fortunate I got up and I ran," Gill said, according to Fox 17.

Gill's story could be a watershed moment for the country music industry that, like others, is roiled by sexual assault and harassment allegations. In an industry that idealizes men who are either excessively macho or strong-but-silent, Gill's openness about his assault plays against the stereotype of the male country singer.

Multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment leveled against powerful publicist Kirt Webster rocked Music Row in November.

In January, Rolling Stone published a scathing account of sexual assault and harassment at CRS - Nashville's annual three-day jamboree where radio professionals come to town, purportedly to connect with artists - and on radio tours. CRS performances and the tours are something of an initiation rite for up-and-coming country artists, as they work to convince stations to add their music to the rotation. Sources - many of whom remained anonymous for fear of repercussions - told Rolling Stone that many in the radio industry expect and demand more than just a musical performance at CRS and on the tours.

Nashville's NewsChannel 5 had its CRS press credentials revoked after indicating a reporter intended to ask the Country Radio Broadcasters executive director Bill Mayne about the Rolling Stone allegations.

Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum