UK Rapper Slowthai Appears In Court, Charged With Sexual Assault

CONTENT WARNING: This article contains a discussion of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

UK rapper Slowthai (real name Tyron Kaymone Frampton), who performed at Laneway Festival earlier this year and is due to play at Splendour In The Grass as well as a run of headline shows in July, appeared in court yesterday (Tuesday, 16 May) after being charged with two counts of rape.

Frampton appeared in an Oxford court via video link from his Northampton home. As The Guardian reports, prosecution lawyer Adam Yar Khan said that as rape is an indictable-only offence, Frampton’s case should be heard in a Crown Court.

Frampton was released on bail and will appear in a Crown Court next month. The Happy rapper has been charged with “oral and vaginal penetration of a woman without her consent”. The alleged sexual assault took place in September 2021 in Oxford.

In court yesterday, Frampton only spoke to share his full name, date of birth, and address.

Frampton shared a statement “categorically deny[ing] the charges” almost two hours after The Guardian’s story broke, writing on social media:

“Regarding the allegations being reported about me. I categorically deny the charges. 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 at this time.”

In 2021, Slowthai’s second album, Tyron, hit #1 in the UK and #11 in Australia. The album was also nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy Awards. Tyron followed his 2019 debut album, Nothing Great About Britain, which was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize Award (it went to Dave’s Psychodrama).

In March, Slowthai released his third album, Ugly (an acronym for U Gotta Love Yourself), which peaked at #85 in Australia, and #2 in the UK, and featured Irish post-punk outfit Fontaines D.C. on the title track.