Indie Rocker Granted Protection Order Against Former Fan

Julian Koster of Neutral Milk Hotel wins two-year order against Anna Gallons over harassment claims

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Julian Koster, the bassist for the indie rock band Neutral Milk Hotel, was granted a two-year protection from abuse order against 41-year-old Anna Gallons, a former fan and member of the 'Elephant 6 Collective' of indie bands. Gallons had previously accused Koster of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager, but Koster denied the allegations and said their relationship began when she was above the age of consent in Georgia.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex dynamics between musicians and fans, as well as the challenges of addressing historical allegations of abuse. It also raises questions about the statute of limitations and burden of proof in such cases, especially when they involve public figures.

The details

In 2024, Gallons had publicly accused Koster of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. Koster acknowledged that he and Gallons had a relationship in 2001 when she was 16 years old, but said she was above the age of consent in Georgia at the time. Koster also claimed that in the years since, Gallons and her husband have campaigned against him with 'thousands of disturbing, abusive, and obsessive messages'.

  • The protection order was granted on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Gallons' initial accusations against Koster were made in 2024.

The players

Julian Koster

The bassist for the indie rock band Neutral Milk Hotel, who was granted a two-year protection from abuse order against a former fan.

Anna Gallons

A 41-year-old former fan and member of the 'Elephant 6 Collective' of indie bands, who accused Koster of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager.

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What they’re saying

“When the relationship began I was 28 and Nesey was 16, just before her 17th birthday. Though this put her over Georgia's legal age of consent when our relationship began, it was wrong to allow the relationship to happen at all and I've apologized to Nesey many times for that. I should have been more responsible about the age gap, but I deny all the other accusations she's made.”

— Julian Koster (wgan.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision on the protection order will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how historical allegations of abuse are handled, especially in the music industry.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex power dynamics and blurred boundaries that can exist between musicians and their fans, and the challenges of addressing historical allegations of abuse, especially when they involve public figures.