Gaslamp Killer Drops Defamation Suit Against Rape Accuser As Both Sides Release Joint Statement

Over a year ago, the Los Angeles DJ and producer The Gaslamp Killer, also known as William Benjamin Bensussen, was accused of drugging and raping two woman at a party in the Standard Hotel. One accuser, Chelsea Tadros, came forward in a tweet about the incident four years later and stated that she made the decision to do so upon finding out the DJ blocked her on twitter. The Gaslamp Killer denied these accusations and stated that they were “not true.” He went on to claim that the two women instigated the encounter and also alleged that it was consensual. In March of 2018, The Gaslamp Killer filed a defamation lawsuit against the two women and asked for $5 million dollars in damages. 

A few days ago, The Gaslamp Killer dropped his defamation lawsuit and both parties in the lawsuit released a joint statement. In the statement The Gaslamp Killer continues to express that he did not drug and rape Ms. Tadros and her friend. Ms. Tadros expressed that she is unsure who drugged her and recognizes that she could have been drugged by one of the attendees at the party. The statement goes on to state that money was not exchanged during the settlement. Both Chelsea Tadros and The Gaslamp Killer posted the joint statement on their social media accounts. Read the whole statement below:

“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.”

Photo Credit: Brett Padelford