Northern Bass headliner DJ Gaslamp Killer accused of sexual assault

  • 14/10/2017
The Gaslamp Killer.
The Gaslamp Killer. Photo credit: Getty / file

An American DJ set to perform at a New Year's Eve concert in New Zealand is facing several sexual assault and rape allegations.

The Gaslamp Killer, real name William Benjamin Bensussen, has vehemently denied the claims in a statement on Twitter.

Twitter user @chelseaelaynne, who asked to be referred to as Chelsea, accused Bensussen of attacking her and a friend in Los Angeles in 2013.

She shared her story in a series of posts on Twitter, saying she and friend RaeAn were drugged at a party before Bensussen "had non-consensual sex with both of us while we were completely incapacitated".

"I felt like I was in a nightmare and couldn't scream or call for help or more."

She then posted what appears to be a screenshot of Bensussen privately contacting another person, in a message which reads: "Can we please talk right now? Your friend is accusing me of rape and I need you to back me up here."

In his own statement, Bensussen denied the claims and said he would "never hurt or endanger a woman".

"Allegations carry a lot of weight on social media these days, and the bravery of women who expose their stories can create necessary dialogue that leads to real change," he said.

Bensussen is supposed to perform at the Northern Bass festival in Mangawhai this year. The organisers are taking the allegations seriously.

"We have contacted the artist's agent to discuss the allegations," they said in a statement.

"It is extremely important that everyone feels safe in the Northern Bass environment and at all Fuzen events. As a company we support anyone that finds the courage to speak up about harassment and assault in any form."

Bensussen was due to perform at the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival on the day the allegations broke, but was dropped after they emerged.

Newshub has contacted Bensussen and his agents regarding the allegations.

Newshub.