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Australian Gaslamp Killer tour cancelled following rape allegation

By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 17 October 2017

The Gaslamp Killer has had an Australian tour cancelled, its promoter saying that this was “the only option” in the wake of rape accusations against the producer.

Last week, a woman posted on Twitter saying that she and a friend had been drugged and raped by The Gaslamp Killer, real name William Bensussen, in 2013. As well as detailing the alleged attack, she also noted that he had blocked her on Twitter, despite the two not having any contact prior to or following that night, which she took as an “admission of his guilt”.

In a subsequent statement, Bensussen denied rape, saying that he and the two women had consensually had sex. But over the weekend, Australian promoter The Operatives noted the accusations against Bensussen, saying that “we absolutely condemn any abuse of any sorts”.

A further statement followed yesterday, saying that a tour and three festival appearances had now been cancelled. The live company wrote: “In light of the accusations against The Gaslamp Killer and all it encompasses, we feel that a cancellation of the upcoming tour is currently the only option”.

It went on: “He will no longer be performing at Breakfest, Northern Bass and Let Them Eat Cake, all of which have consistently advocated their festivals as safe and all inclusive spaces. Hopefully there will be some clarity on the entire case in the near future, and justice is served in truth. Be good to each other people, there is enough negativity in the world, and abuse of any kind is something that we will not tolerate in any way, shape or form”.

Last week, LA club night Low End Theory announced that it was ending Bensussen’s long-running residency due to “the nature of the allegations” made.

Flying Lotus has meanwhile been criticised for apparently defending Bensussen at a show over the weekend. The producer closed his set at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday with a Gaslamp Killer track, before telling his audience: “The internet is a fucking liar. Ain’t nobody judge and jury but the fucking law, okay?”

He later apologised for the comments, telling HipHopDX: “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, as 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”.