Los Angeles-based experimental hip-hop producer The Gaslamp Killer has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting two women in 2013, and has had upcoming festival appearances cancelled in the wake of the news.
One of the alleged victims, Chelsea, shared a note on social media earlier this week, alleging that she and a friend met the producer, otherwise known as William Bensussen, at a rooftop party at The Standard Hotel in downtown LA.
She alleges that the producer handed a drink each to her and her friend, and that “after that, everything is pitch black except for a few sharp but at the same time, blurry, memories.” After the alleged assault occurred, the women were dropped off in front of the hotel.
You can read her full statement below:
https://twitter.com/chelseaelaynne/status/918659660328058880
Chelsea told Pitchfork that she came forward because she wanted to lift the “weight” from her shoulders, adding that “I would have to see his face on social media or at events and want to scream at the top of my lungs ‘do you guys know this guy raped me and my best friend?’”
Gaslamp Killer has responded with a statement of his own, writing on Twitter:
My name is William
I think it’s important that I be a part of this conversation. Firstly, I want it to be known that I would never hurt or endanger a woman. I would never drug a woman, and I would never put anyone in a situation where they were not in control, or take anything that they weren’t offering. Consent is intimate, and has left room for people who were not present to wonder what happened. In this case consent was between three people, in the form of an offer which I accepted.
Allegations carry a lot of weight on social media these days, and the bravery of women who expose their stories can create necessary dialogue that leads to real change. But Chelsea’s version of this story is not true. I am thankful that I have been contacted by witnesses and my roommates at the time, in support. Please know that while I am shocked, I take this all very seriously. It is all so sensitive and needs to be treated with the utmost care and attention.
Low End Theory, the LA-based event collective with which Bensussen would often perform, has since cut ties with him, saying in a statement to Twitter that they were “deeply saddened” to learn of the allegations.
Official statement pic.twitter.com/qybnX4bdem
— Low End Theory (@LOWENDTHEORY) October 13, 2017
Gaslamp Killer had been due to perform at the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival this weekend as part of a Low End Theory showcase, but his performance was cancelled by festival organisers.
