The Gaslamp Killer responds to rape allegation

The producer has been accused of raping two women in 2013

This week, a rape allegation against The Gaslamp Killer emerged online. Twitter user @chelseaelaynne accused the producer of allegedly drugging and raping her, along with her friend RaeAn, in 2013. According to Chelsea, the incident took place at LA’s Standard Hotel.

She said, “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.” The post details the alleged rape, from how the artist handed the two women their “first drink of the day” to their “flu like symptoms” from the drugs following the incident.

In a subsequent tweet, she highlighted that the producer had blocked her on Twitter: “today i noticed he has had me blocked, which pushed me over the edge and was the clearest admission of his guilt”. She also posted a screenshot of a private message from the artist, saying, “Can we please talk right now? Your friend is accusing me of rape and I need you to back me up here.”

The former Brainfeeder affiliated producer has since published a response online denying the allegations.

The post reads: “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.”

He added, “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.”

The LA-based DJ showcase Low End Theory has issued a statement confirming the cancellation of his sets. Their post states: “Low End Theory is deeply saddened to learn of the allegations made against William Bensussen aka The Gaslamp Killer.”

“Given the nature of the allegations made, we have made the decision to part ways with William.”

Following the accusation, Gaslamp Killer’s Friday night performance for Low End Theory’s showcase at Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival was cancelled. The festival organisers wrote, “Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival has chosen to cancel the Low End Theory show. This is not the appropriate time to present these artists in light of the allegations that were made last night.”

Furthermore, Flying Lotus’ label, Brainfeeder, reiterated that the artist isn’t currently signed to the imprint. The label wrote, “Brainfeeder has always been a safe, inclusive space for artists of all types and we do not condone assault in any shape or form.”

“Brainfeeder has not released any of the Gaslamp Killer’s music in over 5 years, and he is not currently signed to the label.”

Read the full statements below.

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