The Gaslamp Killer and his rape accuser, Chelsea Tadros, posted a joint statement on Friday giving an update on their legal dispute.
The legal letter stated William Bensussen will drop his defamation lawsuit against Chelsea Tadros, who accused him of raping her and a friend after an event at the Standard Hotel in 2013. One of Bunsussen's two defamation lawsuits against Tadros was previously thrown out, Pitchfork reported in March 2018. No criminal charges were filed against Bensussen.
The letter, which is signed by both parties, states that after "heartfelt discussion" between Bensussen and Tadros, they "have decided that it is their mutual desire to move on with their lives and put this lawsuit behind them."
The statement continues:
Mr. Bensussen discussed with Ms. Tadros the events of July 5th, 2013 to understand the basis for her Twitter post on October 12th, 2017. Mr. Bensussen did this in good faith as an earnest effort to resolve this issue. After their discussions, Ms. Tadros acknowledges she does not know who drugged her, and both parties recognize that Ms. Tadros could have been drugged by one of the many attendees that were present on July 5, 2013.
Ms. Tadros continues to maintain that she was drugged and thereby unable to consent on July 5th, 2013. Mr. Bensussen maintains that he has never drugged or raped anyone, and that he did not have any indication that Ms. Tadros was drugged or unable to consent. Furthermore, had Mr. Bensussen known or believed that Ms. Tadros did not or was unable to consent, he would not have engaged in any sexual activity.
The statement says neither party will be commenting any further and asks that "their supporters show respect and compassion for this decision and for the other side."