Hit singer Rex Orange County has now been cleared for all six sexual assault charges filed in October
All six charges of sexual assault filed against Rex Orange County – real name Alex O’Connor – has been dropped by a London court, weeks before his scheduled trial on January 3, 2023.
In a statement posted by O’Connor on December 22, the singer confirmed the news, citing that accounts of the victim have failed to support the allegations while a new set of evidence came up including CCTV footage and a witness account that worked on his favor.
“Today, all charges against me have been dropped,” he said as reported by NME.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence and decided that there is no merit in this case going to trial. I have always denied these allegations and am grateful that the independent evidence has cleared me of any wrongdoing. I have never assaulted anyone and I do not condone violence or abusive behavior of any kind.”
In October, the singer-songwriter was charged with sexual assault after a 16-year-old victim came forward and alleged that she was assaulted by O’Connor in six separate occasions between June 1 and 2.
As first reported in The Sun, the assaults apparently took place twice in London’s West End, once in a taxi, and three times at his home in Notting Hill.
In a statement posted today (December 22), O’Connor revealed that all charges have been dropped.
O’Connor clarified some details around "what I was accused of, as I have not been able to address this until now and inaccuracies about the case have circulated. I was wrongly accused of touching someone one evening on their leg, neck, back, and bottom. That led to six charges of sexual assault.
“The only evidence against me was the individual’s account. However, CCTV footage obtained by the police contradicted their version of events. Their partner was also present throughout the evening in question and gave a statement to the police which did not support the allegations against me.
O’Connor has claimed his innocence right from the bat, but was forced to discontinue his ongoing tour in June, citing that he needed some personal time but he’ll be back soon. Not long after, the news of the allegations came to light.
“It’s been a difficult time for everyone involved and I’d like to thank the people who have helped me through it as well as my family and loved ones for their continued support.”
Tags: #sexualassault, #violence, #charges