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Gaslamp Killer Club Event Canceled Following Rape Allegations
The Low End Theory event has parted ways with resident DJ The Gaslamp Killer, who denies allegations of sexual assault, and the club night for Oct. 13 in New York has been canceled.
“Low End Theory is deeply saddened to learn of the allegations made against William Bensussen aka The Gaslamp Killer,” Low End Theory tweeted. “Given the nature of the allegations made, we have made the decision to part ways with William.”
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Official statement <a href=”https://t.co/qybnX4bdem”>pic.twitter.com/qybnX4bdem</a></p>— Low End Theory (@LOWENDTHEORY) <a href=”https://twitter.com/LOWENDTHEORY/status/918918998200221696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Low End Theory happens at various venues with a resident DJ and guests. It began in Los Angeles where it has a weekly club night at
A Brooklyn version was to happen Oct. 13 at the
“Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival has chosen to cancel the Low End Theory show,” the event posted on its Facebook page. “This is not the appropriate time to present these artists in light of the allegations that were made last night.
“We apologize to our venue partner, Paper Box. As an independent festival we appreciate our independent venue partners and are concerned by the issues a cancellation causes a small business. We encourage everyone to please continue to support this venue.
“Throughout the rest of the festival weekend we’ll remain focused on creating great energy and a safe environment for artists and fans alike.
“Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival endeavors to support music and fans mindfully.”
The Gaslamp Killer defended himself in a statement, saying the allegations were not true.
Chris McKay/GettyImages.com – The Gaslamp Killer
Slingshot Festival in Athens, Ga.
“Firstly, I want it to be known that I would never hurt or endanger a woman,” he tweeted. “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. 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.”
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>My response to <a href=”https://twitter.com/chelseaelaynne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@chelseaelaynne</a> ‘s letter below. <a href=”https://t.co/6Zgfq0cOn7″>pic.twitter.com/6Zgfq0cOn7</a></p>— G L K (@GASLAMPKILLER) <a href=”https://twitter.com/GASLAMPKILLER/status/918873821691576321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The allegations come from a woman named Chelsea, who tweeted that she and a friend were raped and drugged by the musician in 2013. In the tweet, she says everything went black after taking drinks from the artist.
A Pollstar email to the artist’s representatives had not been returned at press time.
The Gaslamp Killer has three upcoming dates on the books, including an Oct. 31 show in at the