24 year old indie singer Alexander O’Connor, known as Rex Orange County in the music industry, was charged with six counts of sexual assault on June 1, 2022. Though he wasn’t charged until October. The beloved singer has since been taking a break from his musical career due to the allegations.

“O’Conner allegedly assaulted the woman twice in the West End on June 1. He further assaulted the same woman four additional times the next day, once in a taxi and three other times in his Notting Hill home,” according to Deadline. The woman’s identity has remained anonymous.

O’Conner appeared in the Southwark Crown Court, found in the UK, on October 10 and pleaded not guilty to all six charges. “Alex is shocked by these allegations, which he denies, and looks forward to clearing his name in court,” a representative of the singer told The Guardian. O’Conner was then released on unconditional bail that very same day as his court hearing. The singer plans to fight these charges in a provisional trial starting on Jan. 3, 2023.

Rex Orange County has been releasing music since 2015 with his debut album “Bcos U Will Never B Free.” He went on to release the albums, “Apricot Princess,” “Pony,” “Flower,” and “Ballads.” As his career continued to grow he accumulated a large number of fans and over twelve million monthly listeners. Rex was even meant to go on tour this year for his new single “THREAT,” with shows in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and America.

On May 4, Rex Orange County stated the American stops of his tour, which sold out, for his recent single “Threat.” As the tour was just beginning, it came to an end. Rex announced his tour cancellation on July 2, devastating fans all over the world. In his announcement he claimed he was canceling the tour because of “unforeseen personal circumstances.” He went on to explain that he “needed to spend some time at home this year.” However it has been speculated by fans that his tour cancelation was due to the sexual assault allegations.

A devastation for many fans that came with this scandal, aside from the tour cancellation, was the sullying of their tattoos dedicated to the singer. Fans all over the world have gotten tattoos that represent the singer. Fans have gotten tattoos like a TV showing the words “So far So good…” in reference to O’Conner’s song “Television.” Some also have tattoos of his first single, “Bcos U Will Never B Free.” These tattoos will be engraved in their skin forever. Once these tattoos were of an artist that person once loved, now it’s a reminder of his accusations and scandal.

O’Connor has been an inspiration to so many people throughout the length of his career. Through all his albums, tours and interviews, he has stood for the pursuit of happiness and self-love. He has inspired so many to love themselves and has filled so many of his fans with confidence. The recent allegation has been a shock to all the people who believe in him and his message.