British rapper Slowthai, whose real name is Tyron Frampton, has been found not guilty of rape following a trial at Oxford Crown Court yesterday. The rapper, who was facing serious allegations stemming from an alleged incident at a house party in 2021, has been cleared of all charges, bringing an end to a highly publicised case.
The charges were based on events that occurred on September 7, 2021, after Slowthai finished a gig in Oxford. Following the performance, two women joined the rapper and his friend Alex Blake-Walker, who was also tried, at a house party. This is where the alleged assaults were said to have taken place. It was claimed that both men allegedly engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with the women, made inappropriate comments and behaved inappropriately during the incident. Slowthai and Blake-Walker both denied the accusations, asserting that all interactions were consensual.
Northampton-born Slowthai, known for his politically charged lyrics and raw, gritty music, rose to fame with his 2019 debut album Nothing Great About Britain, which reached number 9 on the Official Album Charts. It also earned a Mercury Prize nomination. He then followed up this success with 2021 album Tyron which solidified his status as one of the most influential voices in British Music. The album blended sharp social commentary with a vulnerability that most fans could relate to.
Slowthai’s track ‘Doorman’, from his album Nothing Great About Britain, is widely regarded as one of his most notable songs. Produced by Mura Masa, the song critiques class divides through the lens of a blue-collar boy with a nicotine addiction infatuated with a girl from a wealthy background, highlighted in lyrics like “parents minted, Mayfair, couple dogs.” Slowthai explores feelings of inadequacy and alienation, capturing the tension between his working-class identity and the lavish, detached world of privilege the love interest lives in expressed in the line, “I pour my heart out, she laps up my blood.” The song’s raw energy and punk-infused grime sound reflect his frustration, making it a standout song that exemplifies his unique storytelling style. Alongside ‘Doorman‘, other standout tracks such as ‘T N Biscuits’, ‘Drug Dealer’, and ‘Peace of Mind ‘ showcase his versatility, blending dark humour, vulnerability, and sharp social commentary.
However, the case made a significant impact on the artist’s career over the past year. Following the charges initially made to the rapper, Slowthai was removed from major festival line-ups, including Glastonbury as well as Reading & Leeds festival.
Throughout the trial, the defence emphasised the complexities of consent, especially in situations involving high-profile individuals. Slowthai maintained that there was no wrongdoing. After over ten hours of deliberation, the jury returned with unanimous not guilty verdicts for both Frampton and Blake-Walker, distinguishing the end of the case.
The verdict was met with visible emotion from the rapper, who reportedly broke down in tears as the decision was announced. Frampton is still yet to make a comment on the verdict. His supporters, including friends and family, as well as his wife, pop star Anne-Marie, were also seen in court, physically relieved by the outcome. The couple, who secretly wed in 2022, welcomed their first child, February of this year.
