Slowthai charged with two counts of rape

Content warning: This article contains information relating to sexual assault

Slowthai has appeared in court today (16th May) on two charges of rape, The Guardian reports.

The 28-year-old rapper — real name Tyler Frampton — appeared before Oxfordshire magistrates court via video link, charged with oral and vaginal penetration of a woman without her consent in Oxford in September 2021. Per The Guardian, Slowthai spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address. 

In a statement posted on social media, he denied all charges, writing: “i am innocent and i am confident my name will be cleared. until then i will apply my energy to ensure this is concluded swiftly and justly. i ask that my supporters don’t comment about this situation and respect the process and privacy of my family during this time.” His full statement can be read below. 

Prosecution lawyer Adam Yar Khan informed magistrates that the charge of rape was an indictable-only offence. The rapper has therefore been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Oxford crown court next month.

Slowthai, who released his second album, ‘Tyron’, last year, has since been removed from the line-ups for both Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds festivals. 

More details to follow.

Update 17/05/2023: This story has been updated to reflect that slowthai appears to have been removed from a number of festival line-ups. 

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, the following organisations may be able to provide help and advice:

In the UK 

Victim Support

Provides help and information for anyone who has been affected by a crime, including a violent or sexual assault, or is wary about involving the police.

Helpline: 0845 30 30 900 (Seven days a week)

Website: www.victimsupport.org

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

Support and information for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused, however long ago and whatever the circumstances.

Helpline: 0845 1221 331 (Seven days a week)

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

In North America

RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization

The National Sexual Assault Hotline (24 hours, seven days a week):800.656.HOPE (4673), online.rainn.org, rainn.org/es

Website: https://www.rainn.org/

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. 

Directory of organizations: https://www.nsvrc.org/organizations

Website: https://www.nsvrc.org/