Ex-JLS member Oritsé Williams has been charged with rape
He is due to appear in court on October 11
He is due to appear in court on October 11
Following an allegation that former JLS member Oritsé Williams had sexually assaulted a fan back in 2016, the singer has been charged with one count rape. According to the BBC, he will appear before the court on October 11.
Williams was accused of raping a 20-year-old fan while promoting his album at Gorgeous, a Wolverhampton club, in December 2016. The BBC also reports that another man named Jamien Nagadhana has also been charged with ‘a serious sexual assault charge’.
Oritsé William’s former JLS band member Aston Merrygold spoke out earlier today about his charge on social media. He posted an image to Instagram of their initial X Factor audition which catapulted the boyband into fame and while he didn’t reference the situation explicitly, the caption seems to imply he supports Williams.
He wrote, ‘These 3 guys... The nicest, most humble, caring, selfless, hardworking (I could go on..) people I’m lucky enough to call family! No matter what we are brothers like it or not! And we stand in each other corner 🙌🏽’
CNN reports that the assault allegedly took place ‘after a performance’ and at the time, a spokesperson for Oritsé denied the claims against him.
They said, ‘All we wish to say at this time is that Oritsé denies the allegations against him.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
'The matter is in the hands of the police and it would be totally wrong for us to comment any further.’
Megan is a freelance journalist who covers entertainment and all things lifestyle, with a particular passion for fashion, beauty, travel and Keanu Reeves stories. She has previously worked on staff for titles including Marie Claire UK, CNN Style and The Evening Standard and has written for titles such as Bustle UK, Wallpaper*, Forbes and Hong Kong Tatler. She splits her time between London and her hometown Hong Kong, where she currently lives with the love of her life - an elderly dog named Poppy - and her husband.
-
I never know what to buy my family for Christmas - but these luxurious Hotel Chocolat gifts are guaranteed crowd-pleasers
If you’re looking for gifts crafted with imagination for chocolate lovers, take note
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Why Chappell Roan will 'say something controversial' if she wins a Grammy
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
All the winners from the British Fashion Awards and why they matter
From the history-making model Alex Consani, to the reigning champion designer Jonathan Anderson, we run through all the winners
By Rebecca Jane Hill