Sean Kingston’s Performance at Western University Cancelled Following a ‘Gang Rape’ Lawsuit
BySean Kingston, the 23-year-old prominent pop-reggae musician will not be performing at the Orientation Week concert at Western University in London, Ontario, after the school officials learnt about a civil lawsuit filed against him and two of his entourage - a bodyguard and a member of his band.
The performance slated for September 7 was cancelled after he was sued for his involvement in a sexual assault incident that allegedly occurred in a Seattle hotel in June 2010.
"Neither Western nor the University Students' Council is taking a position on whether Kingston committed the offence," read the statement from the school, "but it was felt that while the case is before the courts, proceeding with the concert would undermine the university and the USC's efforts to educate students that Western has zero tolerance for sexual assault."
The 'Beautiful Girls,' singer is reported to have resolved the $5 million lawsuit with 22-year-old Carissa Capeloto, who claims that she was compelled to have sex with the men in the musician's hotel room.
But, Kingston believes that he was involved in consensual sex with the woman.
The university and the University Students' Council (USC) together decided to call off Kingston's performance.
"It is essential that all of our students, but in particular our incoming students and orientation volunteers, feel safe and valued at Western. This includes those who may be survivors of sexual assault," Susan Grindrod, associate vice-president with Housing and Ancillary Services, said.
Despite cancellation, Kingston will still be paid for the scheduled performance at the university.
"We upheld our end of the contract," USC president Pat Whelan said. "He was paid."
Several days ago, he openly opposed the charges in a series of Twitter postings:
"Dont believe the hype.... I am a child of GOD and have a great relationship with him.... I live a positive life so I know I'm good,"
"In this world no matter who you are what u do... they are people trying to bring u down constantly. .praying on ya downfall gotta be strong!"