Culture
16 May 23

Slowthai denies rape charges after appearing in court

slowthai at Longitude 2019. Sunday 7th of July. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Trigger Warning: Rape. For help or advice about rape, sexual assault or domestic abuse, visit drcc.ie, or call the National 24-hour helpline at 1 800 77 8888.

Slowthai has appeared in court in Oxford, U.K. today, charged with two counts of rape.

As reported by The Guardian, the 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Tyron Frampton, appeared via video link before Oxfordshire Magistrates Court. He is charged with oral and vaginal penetration of a woman without her consent in Oxford in September 2021.

Frampton has since taken to twitter, denying the charges.

pic.twitter.com/D8d1seT3eD

— TYRON (@slowthai) May 16, 2023

Frampton, speaking to his followers via twitter, said: "Regarding the allegations about me. I categorically deny the charges. I am innocent and I am confident my name will be cleared."

Frampton spoke in court only to confirm his name, date of birth and address to the court. The prosecution lawyers Adam Yar Khan told the magistrates that the charge of rape was an indictble-only offence, and that the case must be heard at crown court.

Frampton was bailed to appear before Oxford crown court next month.

Slowthai was set to play at this Summer’s Forbidden Fruit festival, having been announced as Sunday’s headline act. The English rapper was set to tour the U.K. and Europe this Summer, after releasing his most recent album, UGLY, in March. UGLY is Slowthai’s third studio album. His second, Tyron, reached number One in the U.K. album charts in 2021.

For help or advice about rape, sexual assault or domestic abuse, visit the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre website, or call the National 24-hour helpline at 1800 77 8888.