Slowthai Cleared of Rape Charges in High-Profile Trial
Grammy-nominated British rapper Slowthai, born Tyron Frampton, has been found not guilty of rape following a trial at Oxford Crown Court. The 29-year-old musician and his co-accused, Alex Blake-Walker, 27, were acquitted of all charges after a jury deliberated for over 10 hours. The allegations stemmed from an incident in September 2021, following a Slowthai performance at The Bullingdon in Oxford. Both men denied the accusations, maintaining that all sexual activity was consensual.
The prosecution alleged that Slowthai and Blake-Walker met the women before the concert, provided VIP tickets, and later attended an after-party at one of their homes. There, it was claimed that the men isolated the women, engaged in non-consensual acts, and mocked the situation. However, both defendants rejected these claims, stating that the encounters were consensual. Slowthai, during his testimony, emphasized that there was "no question" about consent, describing the interaction as mutual and consensual.
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As the verdicts were read, Slowthai broke down in tears, visibly overcome with emotion. His wife, pop star Anne-Marie, who had supported him throughout the trial, sighed with relief as the acquittal was announced. Blake-Walker, also cleared of a separate sexual assault charge, reportedly embraced Slowthai as the men were told they were free to leave.
Throughout the trial, the defense painted a contrasting picture of the events. Slowthai’s lawyer, Patrick Gibbs KC, described his client as a "thoughtful" and "modest" individual, countering stereotypes often associated with the rapper persona. Gibbs also acknowledged the lasting damage these allegations might cause, stating, “Even if acquitted, he’ll be canceled for the rest of time.”
This case highlighted the complexities surrounding consent and celebrity influence. While the prosecution depicted a scenario of coercion, the defense underscored inconsistencies in the evidence and questioned the reliability of the allegations. Ultimately, the jury ruled in favor of the defense, acquitting both men.
Slowthai, known for his high-energy performances and acclaimed albums, had faced significant fallout since the charges were first brought to light. Festivals like Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds removed him from their lineups, and his career faced a steep decline during the legal proceedings. Despite his acquittal, the shadow of these allegations may linger as he works to rebuild his reputation.
This trial has sparked broader conversations about consent, the impact of celebrity status, and the implications of high-profile allegations on public perception.
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