Flying Lotus apologises after appearing to defend Gaslamp Killer

Steven Ellison has apologised for his “insensitive” comments in the wake of William Bensussen’s rape allegation

Last week, William Bensussen (aka The Gaslamp Killer) was accused of drugging and raping two women in 2013, at LA’s Standard Hotel. Twitter user @chelseaelaynne stated: “The Gaslamp Killer drugged my best friend and myself at a party at the Standard Hotel, 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.”

In the wake of the rape allegation, Flying Lotus’ label, Brainfeeder, published a statement distancing themselves from The Gaslamp Killer, who’s previously released material on the imprint. “Brainfeeder has always been a safe, inclusive space for artists of all types and we do not condone assault in any shape or form,” the label’s organisers wrote, before reiterating, “Brainfeeder has not released any of the Gaslamp Killer’s music in over 5 years, and he is not currently signed to the label.”

However, on Saturday night (14 October), video footage emerged of Steven Ellison, otherwise known as Flying Lotus, appearing to defend the former Brainfeeder associate. Ellison allegedly closed his set at Hollywood Cemetery Forever with a Gaslamp Killer song, according to fan accounts. In the video, he can be seen saying, “The internet is a fuckin’ liar. Ain’t nobody judge and jury but the fuckin’ law, okay?”

Now, Ellison has issued an apology. “There was a lot longer of a speech,” he told HipHopDX“It would be awesome to show the whole video. I came at it from a humble place.”

He continued, “I wanted to sincerely apologise for my comments at my show. I realise they were insensitive. This is a tough time for all of us, men and women. I’m having trouble finding my voice in all of this. I am truly heartbroken. My stage has always been a place for what’s in my heart until now. I feel as internet-wielding people we have to learn to give each other space to feel, to honour each other’s reactions and experiences without bullying. I care about this community and its impact so much.”