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An American musician and social media star has been accused of rape, sexual violation and strangulation after an alleged incident at a university rugby clubrooms.
Benjamin Hasbun Dansky, aka Haseya, has appeared at Christchurch District Court, facing five charges.
According to court documents, police allege the 27-year-old sexually assaulted awoman and “intentionally impeded” her normal breathing by “applying pressure on their throat and neck”.
The Herald understands the alleged assault happened at the University of Canterbury Rugby Football Club rooms on Waimairi Rd.
Benjamin Dansky who uses the name Haseya on social media and for his music has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman at a Christchurch rugby club. Photo / Supplied
He will next appear in court on May 20.
“Police have laid serious charges against a 27-year-old Christchurch man following a reported assault at a Riccarton premises,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie.
“The man has been charged with rape, two counts of unlawful sexual connection and impedes breathing/blood circulation.
“The victim is being provided with support throughout this process.
“As the case is before the courts, police are unable to comment further.”
Dansky aka Haseya has just under 32,000 followers on social media site TikTok. Photo / Supplied
Dansky - who is listed on court documents as a bar manager - is also facing a charge of intentionally damaging glass windows, property of the university.
A University of Canterbury spokesperson told the Herald the venue is hireable for private functions, and neither the complainant nor accused are connected to the University.
Dansky, under the name Haseya, has just under 32,000 followers on social media site TikTok and more than 12,000 on Instagram.
He is known for posting videos discussing the difference between the US and New Zealand - and his experiences of living here, including a series called “everyday things in NZ that don’t exist in America”.
In recent videos, he has talked about “biggest misconceptions people have about NZ” and “my favourite Kiwi sayings as an American”.
Images of Dansky promoting his music - under the name Haseya - appear on his social media pages. Photo / Supplied
He has also recorded songs, which are available on various platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.
If convicted, Dansky is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Strangulation carries a maximum sentence of seven years, and the charge relating to the window damage could result in three months behind bars or a fine up to $2000.
Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz
