Published
Fri, Oct 13, 2017, 19:33
- Low End Theory has parted ways with the Los Angeles artist, who denied the allegations on Twitter.
Yesterday, a woman accused Low End Theory affiliate The Gaslamp Killer of raping her and a friend after an event at The Standard Hotel in Downtown LA in June, 2013.
The woman, whose Twitter handle is Chelsea, said The Gaslamp Killer—real name William Benjamin Bensussen—handed her and a friend drugged drinks, then "had non-consensual sex with both of us while we were completely incapacitated and then dumped us back in front of the standard after it happened."
Read her account in full.
Chelsea also posted a screenshot of a message Bensussen sent to a mutual friend asking them to vouch for him in light of the accusation. She noticed Bensussen had blocked her on Twitter, which she said, "Pushed me over the edge and was the clearest admission of his guilt."
Today, Bensussen responded to the accusations via Twitter. He says, "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." He goes on to state, "In this case consent was between three people, in the form of an offer which I accepted."
Read his full statement below.
This afternoon, Low End Theory—the Los Angeles party and crew that Bensussen has long been associated with—posted a statement to Twitter, noting that they had parted ways with Bensussen in light of the allegations.
Flying Lotus's label Brainfeeder also issued a statement distancing itself from Bensussen.
Bensussen was scheduled to perform at Low End Theory showcase as part of Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival tonight. The organizers posted a statement to Facebook canceling the show.
Australian festival Northern Bass also cancelled The Gaslamp Killer's upcoming performance.