Rex Orange County.Photo: Burak Cingi/Redferns
All sexual assault charges against British singer-songwriterRex Orange Countywere dismissed on Monday.
The musician, whose real name is Alexander O’Connor, was charged withsix counts of sexual assault in Octoberbased on allegations that he assaulted a woman multiple times in June. According to a statement issued to PEOPLE on Thursday, he says the charges have been dropped and claims he was “wrongfully accused.”
“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,” began the statement from O’Connor, 24.
“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,” he continued.
O’Connor then expressed a desire to “clarify some details” regarding the allegations since he has “not been able to address” the situation until the charges were dropped, additionally noting that “inaccuracies about the case have circulated.”
The statement concluded, “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.”
Rex Orange County.JC Olivera/Getty
Known for his high-charting albumsPonyandWho Cares?as well as his work on Tyler, the Creator’sFlower Boy, O’Connor was previously scheduled for a trial on Jan. 3, 2023 due to the sexual assault allegations,The SunandBillboardreported in October.
In October, O’Connor appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London, where he reportedly denied all counts. Ahead of the then-scheduled trial, he was reportedly set free on unconditional bail.
Earlier this year, the musician canceled his European, Australian and New Zealand tour dates and told fans viaInstagram, “It is with a great deal of sadness to announce that due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I am having to spend some time at home this year. and I will not be able to continue with touring as planned.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
