All sexual assault charges against British pop artist Rex Orange County have reportedly been dropped, with London’s Southwark Crown Court said to have dismissed them on Monday.
The 24-year-old singer, whose real name is Alexander O’Connor, was charged with six counts of sexual assault based on allegations he assaulted a woman multiple times in June. O’Connor pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on unconditional bail at the time.
O’Connor claims he was “wrongfully accused” in a statement released to Instagram after the reported verdict.
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“Today, all charges against me have been dropped. The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the evidence and decided that there is no merit in this case going to trial, not guilty verdicts were entered to all the charges,” O’Connor’s statement began.
“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 behaviour of any kind,” the Loving is Easy singer continued.
O’Connor’s statement also included a “clarification” of details regarding the allegations, which he said he had “not been able to address” until the charges were dropped, and noted “inaccuracies about the case have circulated.”
He said in the statement that the ”only evidence against [him] was the individual’s account” and that “CCTV footage obtained by the police contradicted their version of events.”
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O’Connor was initially charged with sexually assaulting a woman in London on six separate occasions between June 1, 2022 and June 2, 2022. Loving is Easy singer was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in London on six separate occasions between June 1, 2022 and June 2, 2022.
Per The Sun and Billboard, he allegedly assaulted the woman in London’s West End twice on June 1, 2022, and four more times on June 2, 2022.
It was on June 2 that O’Connor allegedly assaulted the woman once in a taxi, and a further three times at his Notting Hill home.
“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,” O’Connor’s statement continues.
“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.
“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,” his statement concluded.
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In a statement issued to Variety in October, when O’Connor appeared in court initially, a representative for O’Connor said: “Alex is shocked by the allegations, which he denies, and looks forward to clearing his name in court. He is unable to make any further comment because of the ongoing proceedings.”
O’Connor shot to indie fame as Rex Orange County in 2017 with his hits Best Friend and Loving is Easy. He also featured on two songs on Tyler, the Creator’s seminal album Flower Boy that same year.
The artist has since released one mixtape and three studio albums, with the latest one Who Cares? coming out in March.
Earlier this year, he cancelled his Australian, New Zealand and European tour dates, telling fans on Instagram at the time that it was due to “unforeseen personal circumstances.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.