Rex Orange County: musician charged with six counts of sexual assault

The musician Rex Orange County, aka Alexander O’Connor, has been charged with six counts of sexually assaulting a woman, the Sun has reported.

On 1 June, the 24-year-old allegedly assaulted the woman twice in London’s West End and then four times the next day, including once in a taxi and on three instances at his home in Notting Hill. The woman is reputedly over the age of 16.

O’Connor appeared at Southwark crown court on 10 October. He pleaded not guilty to all six charges and was released on unconditional bail.

“Alex is shocked by the allegations, which he denies, and looks forward to clearing his name in court,” a representative for the musician said in a statement released to press. “He is unable to make any further comment because of the ongoing proceedings.”

A provisional trial date has been set for 3 January 2023.

In July 2022, O’Connor announced that he was cancelling his upcoming tour dates in Australia, New Zealand and Europe owing to “unforeseen personal circumstances” that meant he was “having to spend some time at home this year” and would “not be able to continue with touring as planned”.

“This is the last thing I want to do,” he wrote. “I love touring and I am so sorry to be letting anyone down. I look forward to getting back to it as soon as I can.”

O’Connor attended the Brit school and in 2015 self-released his debut album, Bcos U Will Never B Free. It became a grassroots hit, piquing the interest of US rapper Tyler, the Creator, who invited O’Connor to work on his 2017 album, Flower Boy.

He has released four albums, the latest being this year’s Who Cares?, and also collaborated with artists including Randy Newman and Chance the Rapper.

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