On the title track of a spartan masterpiece in 2003, Ryan Adams sang repeatedly “Love is hell”. Love, sex, bad relationships, bitterness, heartache and regret are pretty much the acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter’s oeuvre.

Indeed, his wondrous solo debut in 2000 was titled Heartbreaker. A report in the New York Times suggests that Adam’s own behaviour towards women has left a lot to be desired. Which rather makes one wonder if the reporters have actually been listening to his music?

Adams has been accused of unpleasant and manipulative behaviour towards women. Seven women, including ex-wife Mandy Moore, have aired grievances, asserting a pattern of dangling career opportunities while pursuing women for sex and retaliating if they spurned him.

The New York Times also claims the then 40-year-old musician exchanged sexually flirtatious texts with a 15-year-old fan, although it presents no evidence Adams knew she was underage.

None of this represents criminal behaviour and Ryan has denied the claims while offering a reserved apology on Twitter “to anyone I have ever hurt, however unintentionally.”