Geordie Greep accused of kissing sleeping woman without consent
Musician Geordie Greep has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman by kissing her while she was asleep and unable to consent.
The woman, who uses the pseudonym Laura, says Greep did not rape her. Laura is not her real name. It is a false name used to protect her identity.
She gave her detailed account in an interview published by Rolling Stone on 14 October. She said she met Greep and his bandmates at a bar before the group went to a nearby apartment. She said she fell asleep on a couch after drinking and woke to find Greep kissing her.
Laura said she had told people at the apartment that she was in an exclusive relationship. She said she did not welcome advances from anyone there.
She also addressed flyers handed out without her authorisation at Greep's concert in Vancouver on 8 October. Those flyers accused Greep of rape. She said that accusation goes beyond what she says happened.
Greep spoke about the allegation from the stage in Vancouver. He said he got the wrong end of the stick at a late house party. He described making a move that did not come off. He apologised and called it a complete misunderstanding on his part. He denied raping anyone.
Some audience members headed for the exit during his remarks, while others stayed to listen, according to The Guardian.
In a later social media statement, Greep said he had fallen asleep in an armchair and woken at 6 a.m. He said he leaned over to kiss the woman because he mistakenly believed she was interested in him. He said she pushed him away. He said he apologised and stepped away.
What is described so far is a claim that has not been tested in court. Both accounts point to a late-night gathering, sleep and an unwanted kiss, but differ on intent and meaning.
Greep has cancelled dates on his current North American tour following the misconduct claim, as reported by Rolling Stone. The cancelled performances included shows in Boise, Salt Lake City, Boulder, Denver and Omaha, according to Pitchfork.
Greep is the former frontman of Black Midi. He is a Brit School graduate.
