Crystal Castles member Ethan Kath (born Claudio Palmieri) has filed a defamation lawsuit against former bandmate Alice Glass (born Margaret Osborn), after she accused him of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse spanning the entirety of their working relationship.
Kath’s complaint says Glass’ statement, which includes multiple claims of nonconsensual sex, an instance of being thrown onto concrete, and extended periods of emotional manipulation, was deliberately written as part of a plot to “ruin his good name and reputation in the industry” and to “destroy Crystal Castles” for the benefit of her own career.
The complaint asserts that Crystal Castles was dropped by its management and booking agencies due to Glass’ statement, and that cancelled shows resulted in around $390,000 of lost income.
On top of all that, Kath cites the “emotional distress” caused by Glass’ statement.
The complaint also disputes Glass’ reasoning for leaving the band in 2014.
She stated “I gave that up and started over not because I wanted to but because I had to,” and that she is still recovering from “almost a decade of abuse, manipulation and psychological control.”
Kath states her departure was so the singer could “handle her mental health issues and substance abuse issues.”
“I will continue to support her quest to wellness but I can’t support extortion, false claims, and accusations put forth after the band attained new success without her,” Kath says.
TMZ reports the complaint also includes a reference to a cease and desist letter Kath sent to Glass several years ago, after she first began making allegations of sexual abuse.
In a 2015 Twitter post, Glass alleged sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by an unnamed culprit.
We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.
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