Jared Leto, the actor and lead singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars, is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, raising questions about the future of his upcoming UK concerts. The accusations, detailed in a recent documentary, have prompted concert organizers and promoters to reconsider scheduled shows in London and Manchester.
The documentary, broadcast on the BBC, features testimony from several women who allege that Leto sexually assaulted them when they were underage or just reaching adulthood. Among the claims, one woman named Clara asserts that Leto engaged in sexual activity with her when she was 17 in California, an act that would constitute statutory rape under state law. Isabel, another alleged victim, says she was 17 when she was assaulted in a motel bathroom. Additional allegations include Alex, who reports that Leto threatened her at a London hotel when she was 19, and Etta, who claims to have received sexually explicit phone calls from him at 16 and was later sent a non-disclosure agreement. A further woman named Taylor described feeling exploited at age 14 following an inappropriate comment made by Leto.
These allegations date back to the early 2010s, and several reportedly occurred during or around his concerts, where Leto is said to have invited young fans backstage or onto the stage. The documentary includes accounts from former staff members who said they were directed to arrange meetings between Leto and underage girls or book groups of models for shows.
Leto has strongly denied all allegations, issuing a statement saying, “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.” Despite the denials, the fallout from the documentary has led to crisis talks among organizers and music promoters, including SJM and Live Nation, concerning the status of upcoming performances. Thirty Seconds to Mars had been scheduled to perform at London’s O2 Arena on April 28, 2027, followed by a Manchester show the next day. Sources indicate that event planners are considering canceling the concerts, citing reputational risks.
The situation underscores the increasing sensitivity within the live music industry to controversies involving performers. Live Nation, which faced backlash earlier this year after booking Kanye West for Wireless Festival, appears intent on avoiding similar issues. Industry insiders say there is substantial concern over the allegations and an ongoing assessment of the associated risks.
Leto, 54, has maintained a public presence on social media amid the emerging reports, posting videos from a recent trip to Europe. The actor, who won an Academy Award in 2014 for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, continues to be represented by William Morris Endeavor. Despite prior allegations surfacing online last year, notably following claims from DJ Allie Teilz, there has been limited impact on his career until now.
The documentary’s director suggested that a combination of factors, including diminished momentum from the #MeToo movement and Leto’s public image, may have contributed to previous inaction regarding the allegations. However, the potential cancellation of the UK concerts may signal a shift in how such claims are addressed in the entertainment industry.