Alternative Hip-Hop Producer, The Gaslamp Killer, Denies Allegations Of Raping And Drugging Two Women

The Gaslamp Killer, born William Benjamin Bensussen, is an alternative hip-hop producer and DJ affiliated with the label Brainfeeder. Last night he was hit with accusations, shared on Twitter, that accuse him of drugging and raping two women back in 2013. Twitter user @chelseaelaynne says she stepped forward to tell her story yesterday in order to “help myself heal and to prevent it from happening to other women in the future.” In the wake of a massive number of allegations against Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein that range from harassment, to assault, to rape, many women have been compelled to come forward with similar stories.

She recalls the incident which allegedly took place on June 5, 2013 at the Standard Hotel in Los Angeles. “My friend RaeAn and I were at the Standard and Gaslamp Killer started chatting with us,” she began. “We went to the bathroom together, came back, and GLK handed us two drinks. That is the last clear memory that I have.” Adding, “After that, everything is pitch black except for a few sharp, but at the same time, blurry memories.”

She recalls, “His disgusting body on top of me and being so scared I couldn’t speak. I felt like I was in a nightmare and couldn’t scream, or call for help, or move. I have no idea the details of what he did to us. Last I remember was being dropped off in front of the Standard. Literally just dropped us in front and drove off.”

Shortly after sharing her story, Chelsea also posted a screen grab of the Gaslamp Killer apparently reaching out to someone they both know to try and back him up in the face of these accusations.

You can read Chelsea’s full account below.

“I’ve been suppressing my rape for 4 years and I’m finally ready to come forward to help myself heal and to prevent it from happening to other women in the future. The Gaslamp Killer drugged my best friend and myself at a party at the Standard Hotel, had non-consensual sex with both of us while we were completely incapacitated, and then dumped us back in front of the Standard aft it happened. I was only 20 years old at the time.

On July 5, 2013, my friend RaeAn and I were at the Standard and Gaslamp Killer started chatting with us. He recognized RaeAn, they had me the week prior at Desert Daze Festival. We went to the bathroom together, came back and GLK handed us two drinks. That is the last clear memory I have, and that was our first drink of the day. After that, everything is pitch black except for a few sharp, but at the same time, blurry memories.

I remember standing outside on a patio somewhere in the hills, feeling as if I were going to pass out. I remember his disgusting body on top of me and being so scared I couldn’t speak. I felt like I was in a nightmare and couldn’t scream or call for help or move. I have no idea the details of what he did to us. Last I remember was being dropped off in front of the Standard. Literally just dropped us in front and drove off. I was throwing up all night and had flu-like symptoms the entire day following.

It sneaks up once sometimes and makes me feel worthless and embarrassed, and I never felt equipped to face or deal with it. It has taken four years not to blame ourselves and not feel guilty or less than human for it. I haven’t spoken to him since it happened, did not know him prior. I recently noticed that he has me blocked on Twitter. I don’t think he knew my name, I can only assume that he recently came across my Twitter, remembered what he did, and blocked me just in case. He knows what he did and I’m sure he’s been wondering when this day would come. RaeAn and I have had to deal with the shame for 4 years, and it’s time he faces it too.”

Additionally, she notes that he blocked her on Twitter, so she couldn’t tag him in her post:

This morning, Bensussen responded to the allegations below, tagging Chelsea and claiming her side of the story is untrue:

10/13/117

My name is William
I think it’s important that I be a part of this conversation. Firstly, I want it to be known that I would never hurt or endanger a woman. 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 weigh 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.

Sincerely,
William.

The Gaslamp Killer was slated to perform at Low End Theory party at Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival tonight, but they have since canceled with the following statement to Brooklyn Vegan:

Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival has chosen to cancel the Low End Theory show. 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.

Furthermore, he was slated to perform at the Northern Bass festival in New Zealand, and the festival has also posted on Facebook that they’re looking into the allegations:

We have been made aware of allegations made on Twitter today regarding The Gaslamp Killer, an artist currently scheduled to perform at Northern Bass this year.
We have contacted the artist’s agent to discuss the allegations.

It is extremely important that everyone feels safe in the Northern Bass environment and at all Fuzen events. As a company we support anyone that finds the courage to speak up about harassment and assault in any form.