Rex Orange County cleared of sexual assault charges
Rex Orange County performs on stage at the 2020 iHeartRadio ALTer EGO concert at The Forum in Inglewood, California, Jan. 18, 2020. Image: AFP/Robyn Beck
All six charges of sexual assault against Alexander O’Connor, popularly known as Rex Orange County, was dismissed by The Crown Prosecution Service after it found “no merit in this case going to trial.”
The British singer-songwriter was charged with sexual assault in October after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old woman in six separate occasions in June.
“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 said in a statement released on his Instagram page on Thursday, Dec. 22.
“I have always denied these allegations and I 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,” he maintained.
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O’Connor also “clarified some details” on the accusations against him, noting how he was not able to address the matter until after the charges were dropped.
“The only evidence against me was the individual’s account. However, CCTV footage obtained by the police contradicted their version of events,” he stated. “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 has 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.
O’Connor, who rose to fame as Rex Orange County after being featured on Tyler, the Creator’s 2017 album “Flower Boy,” is known for his songs “Best Friend,” Loving Is Easy,” and “THE SHADE.” EDV
