The Gaslamp Killer axed from Northern Bass after sex assault claim

The Gaslamp Killer has denied claims he raped two women in 2013. Photo/Getty

A headlining act at a local New Year's music festival has been axed from the line-up following an accusation he sexually assaulted two women at a party in 2013.

American DJ The Gaslamp Killer, aka William Benjamin Bensussen, was scheduled to perform at Northern Bass in Mangawhai at the end of December.

But the festival says he's been removed from the line-up and a replacement act will be announced soon.

Update: The Gaslamp Killer will no longer be performing at Northern Bass. Please see below the official statement from...

Posted by Northern Bass on Sunday, 15 October 2017

A woman called 'Chelsea' made the allegations on Twitter over the weekend, claiming she and a friend called Rae were assaulted by Bensussen in Los Angeles.

i've been silently suffering over this for many years. the gaslamp killer drugged and raped my best friend and myself 4 years ago pic.twitter.com/yvJM5HEJay

— chelsea (@chelseaelaynne) October 13, 2017

Chelsea said Bensussen had "non-consensual sex with both of us while were completely incapacitated" at a party after they were handed drinks by the DJ.

"I remember his disgusting body on top of me and being so scared I couldn't speak," Chelsea wrote.

"It has taken four years to not blame ourselves and not feel guilty or les than human for it."

facing and accepting this has been one of the hardest things i have ever done - for every woman that has been abused - you are not alone

— chelsea (@chelseaelaynne) October 13, 2017

Bensussen has since posted a response on Twitter, saying the allegations "shocked" him and denying Chelsea's version of events.

My response to @chelseaelaynne ‘s letter below. pic.twitter.com/6Zgfq0cOn7

— G L K (@GASLAMPKILLER) October 13, 2017

"I want it to be known I would never hurt of endanger a woman. I would never drug a woman, and I would never put anyone in a situation where they were not in control, or take anything that they weren't offering."

He also said that "Chelsea's version of this story is not true".

Bensussen has since been dropped from the line-up for Los Angeles festival Low End Theory.

Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival has chosen to cancel the Low End Theory show. This is not the appropriate time to...

Posted by Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival on Friday, 13 October 2017

A statement from Northern Bass said "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."

Where to get help:

If it is an emergency and you or someone you know is at risk, call 111.
• Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843
• Victim Support: 0800 842 846
• Lifeline: (09) 522 2999