If you haven’t yet heard about the recent rape allegations against the DJ/Producer The Gaslamp Killer, you can tune in here for a rundown. The allegations are heavy and hard to hear, especially considering the prevalence of the issue in the biz.
As previously reported, the Gaslamp Killer’s Australian tour has been axed and many key players in the industry, including Low End Theory have distanced themselves from the alleged rapist. One prominent player however has taken a stance in support of Gaslamp by vocally denying the accusations until Gaslamp Killer is proven innocent or guilty by the justice system.
Flying Lotus ended his recent LA show with some choice words for Gaslamp’s critics, saying, “the internet is a liar.” He finished his speech by leading his audience to a chant of “Ain’t nobody judge and jury but the fuckin’ law, okay…let truth and justice have its day.”
The comments Flying Lotus made are controversial in nature, but the fact is he has worked with William Bensussen, and simply wants the man to be treated fairly until he has his day in court. While the allegations posted by his accuser are incredibly detailed and hold a lot of weight, we won’t know the truth until further investigation has concluded.
It takes immense courage to personally address stories of sexual abuse, not to mention publicly denouncing one’s own abuser. People should be able to come forward about rape and feel confident and protected, and for that reason Flying Lotus probably should have stayed away from the situation that he is not personally involved in. His rhetoric was aggressive, but it seems the point he was trying to get across is that there is a due process in cases like these, and that process must be completed before anyone takes sides.
Update:
Flying Lotus has since apologized for his comments stating,
“I wanted to sincerely apologize for my comments at my show. I realize they were insensitive,” he said. “This is a tough time for all of us, as men and women. I’m having trouble finding my voice in all of this. I am truly heartbroken. My stage has always been a place for what’s in my heart until now. I feel as internet-wielding people we have to learn to give each other space to feel, to honor each other’s reactions and experiences without bullying. I care about this community and its impact so much.”
