Singer Axes Tour In Sexting Scandal

Jake Mcelfresh – aka Front Porch Step – is alleged to have contacted at least a half-dozen teenage girls, in some cases exchanging sexually explicit photos. Mcelfresh is 23. The days when “young girls are coming to the canyon” are long gone, with social media and cellphone technology capable of supplanting fan mail and easing the way for instant access to artists.

And, in many states, some of those activities – particularly when it comes to nudity or sexually suggestive photos involving minors – are patently illegal.

The claims against Mcelfresh and ensuing discussion have reportedly taken place mostly on Tumblr, and began building around New Year’s, according to the New York Times.

“I am aware of the serious allegations and sensational things being posted on the internet about me and my personal life,” Mcelfresh posted to the Front Porch Step Facebook page Dec. 31. “While this is personally difficult to experience, I am taking the appropriate, meaningful, and objective steps to address the severity of these things and the horrendous words being used. I would truly hope that others who have or will propagate these serious allegations will do the same.”

On Jan. 4, he wrote: “As I posted 3 days ago, I am taking the appropriate time to assess these very serious allegations against me and I am not taking them lightly. Until I can do that in a complete manner with all the information I have at my disposal, I will not be continuing with any current touring activities for the time being.”

Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman confirmed that Mcelfresh’s tour is over, at least as far as Warped is concerned.