Skip to content
News

The Gaslamp Killer Drops Lawsuit Against Rape Accuser, Maintains Innocence in Statement

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 09: DJ/producer The Gaslamp Killer performs during Rock in Rio USA at the MGM Resorts Festival Grounds on May 9, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Gaslamp Killer (born William Bensussen) has dropped his defamation lawsuit against Chelsea Tadros, who publicly accused the Los Angeles DJ and producer of drugging and raping her and a friend in 2013. Bensussen and Tadros issued a joint statement announcing the decision on Tuesday. Tadros still claims she was drugged by someone and unable to consent. Bensussen maintains his innocence.

“After engaging in heartfelt discussions with each other about the events of July 5, 2013, William Bensussen and Chelsea Tadros have decided that it is their mutual desire to move on with their lives and put this lawsuit behind them,” the statement opens. It also says no money was exchanged in the settlement.

Tadros tweeted her account in October 2017, claiming Bensussen drugged her and a friend’s drinks at The Standard hotel bar in Los Angeles. “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,” she wrote.

Tadros continued: “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.”

Bensussen, who has released music on Flying Lotus‘ Brainfeeder label, responded to the accusation the following day. “I want it to be known that I would never hurt or endanger a woman,” he tweeted in part. “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.

Low End Theory, the storied local beat scene party where Bensussen was a resident DJ, cut ties with the producer after the accusation surfaced. He sued Tadros, Tadros’ friend, and Tadros’ boyfriend for defamation and infliction of emotional distress in November 2017. A judge dismissed all claims other than the libel accusation against Tadros last March.

Read Bensussen and Tadros’ full joint statement below.

After engaging in heartfelt discussions with each other about the events of July 5, 2013, William Bensussen and Chelsea Tadros have decided that it is their mutual desire to move on with their lives and put this lawsuit behind them. For this reason, Mr. Bensussen has agreed to dismiss his lawsuit against Ms. Tadros.

Mr. Bensussen discussed with Ms. Tadros the events of July 5, 2013 to understand the basis for her Twitter post on October 12, 2017. Mr. Bensussen did this in good faith as an earnest effort to resolve this issue. After their discussions, Ms. Tadros acknowledges she does not know who drugged her, and both parties recognize that Ms. Tadros could have been drugged by one of the many attendees that were present on July 5, 2013.

Ms. Tadros continues to maintain that she was drugged and thereby unable to consent on July 5, 2013. Mr. Bensussen maintains that he has never drugged or raped anyone, and that he did not have any indication that Ms. Tadros was drugged or unable to consent. Furthermore, had Mr. Bensussen known or believed that Ms. Tadros did not or was unable to consent, he would not have engaged in any sexual activity.

No money was exchanged as part of the settlement, and the parties will not be commenting any further. The parties ask that their supporters show respect and compassion for this decision and for the other side.