British singer Rex Orange County made headlines after some shocking allegations came out against him.
The singer, real name Alexander O'Connor, is to stand trial after being charged with six counts of sexually assaulting a woman. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday 10th. He pleaded not guilty to the allegations of intentional touching of a sexual nature without consent, and his trial was scheduled for 3 January. His third studio album went to number one in the UK this March.
"Alex is shocked by the allegations which he denies and looks forward to clearing his name in court," a statement issued on his behalf said. "He is unable to make any further comment because of the ongoing proceedings."
The following month, the singer posted a message saying he was canceling his European, Australian and New Zealand tour dates because, "due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I am having to spend some time at home this year".
8 What Are The Allegations Against Rex Orange County?
The singer has been accused of twice assaulting a woman in the West End on June 1, 2021. There were four additional assaults against the same woman the following day: once in a taxi and three more times at his home in London’s Notting Hill district.
On Monday (October 10, 2022), the singer whose real name is O’Connor denied all counts during an appearance at Southwark Crown Court in London. He has been set free on unconditional bail ahead of a provisional trial date on Jan. 3, 2023.
7 Where Did Rex Orange County Get His Name?
Alex James O'Connor, 23, goes under the stage moniker Rex Orange County. This unusual name is derived from the initials of his last name, OC.
The OC was a school nickname given to him by the teachers, it stuck and then formed his stage name Rex Orange County.
6 Rex Orange County Went To BRIT School
Born in 1998, Rex Orange County attended the famed Brit school. He grew up idolizing popular bands like Queen and Green Day, as well as Stevie Wonder.
He learned multiple musical instruments in his childhood and soon started composing his own songs.
In 2015, the Hampshire-born singer self-released his debut album, Bcos U Will Never B Free. It became a hit, piquing the interest of US rapper Tyler, the Creator.
5 Rex Orange County Was A Successful Artist With Frequent Collabs
Rex Orange County rose to prominence after being featured on Tyler, the Creator‘s 2017 albumFlower Boy, including the single Boredom.
He has released a total of four studio albums, the last two — 2019’s Pony and 2022’s Who Cares? — on RCA Records in the U.S. Both of those albums reached the top five on the Billboard 200, while Pony hit No. 1 on Top Alternative Albums.
He has also tallied three singles in the top 10 of Billboard‘s Hot Rock Songs chart: Pluto Projector, 10/10 and Face to Face.
4 Rex Orange County Had A Number 1 Record In 2022
In March 2022, Rex Orange County scored his first UK Number One album with new LP Who Cares?
“Thank you to everyone who listened to ‘Who Cares?'” the singer said when he received the news about the album’s achievement. “I’m so happy to have an Official Number One album in the UK, where I’m from. I appreciate all the love.”
In the US, the album Pony reached number 3 in the Billboards charts and "Who Cares?" number 5. Earlier this year, he scored his second No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Alternative Albums chart with "Who Cares?"
3 Rex Orange County Canceled His Tour Before Allegations
In July 2022, O’Connor cancelled a string of September and November shows scheduled for Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
He wrote on Instagram, “It is with a great deal of sadness to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances, I am having to spend some time at home this year and I will not be able to continue with touring as planned.”
He added, “This is the last thing I want to do. I love touring, and I am sorry to be letting anyone down. I look forward to getting back to it as soon as I can.”
Rex Orange County did have a show in London in August, which was met with positive reviews.
2 Is Rex Orange County Single?
In 2015, O'Connor began dating fellow British singer-songwriter Thea Morgan-Murrell (known professionally as Thea), having met at BRIT School .
He has sung about her in several songs, and they collaborated on the tracks "Sycamore Girl" and "Never Had the Balls."
In November 2020, he confirmed on Twitter that they were separated, tweeting "i am not in a relationship".
1 Fans Have Expressed Anger Toward Rex Orange County
Fans of British singer Rex Orange County have expressed regret and disappointment after news that the artist has been charged with six counts of sexual assault.
Fans have posted videos of them throwing out his albums and merchandise.
“About to break all my records in half and burn his poster nahhh #rexorangecounty,” one person wrote on TikTok.
“I have never been more disappointed in my life #rexorangecounty,” wrote another Tik Tok user, who had a tattoo of a drawing done by the singer.
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