LONDON, March 13, 2024 – Former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson is currently on trial at Wood Green Crown Court facing accusations of rape and sexual assault, raising questions about power dynamics and consent within the entertainment industry.
Allegations Detail Separate Incidents Across Continents
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The musician, also known as Ross Wild, denies all charges, including a prior conviction for voyeurism. He is accused of raping a woman in London in March 2015. He also denied attempted rape and sexual assault of another woman in thailand in December 2019. The court heard he previously pleaded guilty too voyeurism against the same woman involved in the Thailand incident. Prosecutors allege a pattern of behavior where Davidson believed he was entitled to sexual access.
London Victim Describes Feeling “Helpless”
The woman alleging rape in London testified that she felt “scared, intimidated and helpless” during the alleged attack, stating that Davidson’s physical strength made her fear for her safety. She reported the incident after experiencing a flashback.
Video Evidence Presented in Thailand Case
Evidence presented in court included video footage found on Davidson’s phone, reportedly showing the second complainant asleep and “at least half-naked” in a hotel bedroom in Phuket, Thailand. The woman stated she was unaware of the video’s existence until informed by police and asserts she did not consent to being intimately touched. She described engaging in “drunk sex” with Davidson but maintaining she did not consent to subsequent actions the following day.
She told the jury she was “very afraid in this moment”, and it felt like “a very dangerous situation to be in”. Davidson countered, claiming any sexual touching was consensual and that the woman was merely pretending to sleep.
Prosecution Alleges Sense of Entitlement
Prosecutor Richard Hearnden characterized Davidson as a “bit of a sex symbol” but argued, “There are two women who say that he has a much darker side.” Hearnden continued, suggesting Davidson operated under the assumption that his attractiveness and charisma entitled him to sexual encounters, leading him to resort to force when his advances were not freely given. “It is because Ross Davidson expects to get sex on demand that he will resort to rape and sexual assault if he is not given what he thinks he deserves,” Hearnden stated.
Defense Claims Lack of Attraction, Acknowledges Video
Defence counsel Charlotte Newell KC argued regarding the London allegation that Davidson “will say there was no sex at all with her in London as he was not sexually attracted to her – and that may be disappointing or upsetting – but in reality there was no spark for him.” Regarding the Thailand incident, Newell acknowledged that Davidson “understands that she would be upset when she found out he had videoed her.”
The trial is ongoing.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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