Singer/songwriter and Voice star Melanie Martinez has denied claims of sexual assault of another female musician, Timothy Heller.
Martinez first became popular in 2012 following her appearance on the American talent show, The Voice. Since then she’s put out two Eps and released her first studio album, Cry Baby, in 2015.
Heller posted the story late Monday on Twitter, claiming that Martinez ignored her saying no repeatedly, “bartering” physical contact, and eventually sexually assaulting her by performing oral and penetrating her with a sex toy without her consent. She also cited the recent #metoo stories as a source of courage and inspiration for her to come forward.
The Twitter post discusses the nature of their relationship, as well as detailing the assault and the psychological repercussions. “I’m scared to ruin the person’s life and I still love them in a fucked up way” she informed followers last month, when informing them she intended to share the story.
She eventually attached Martinez’s name to it, claiming that she felt it was important that people knew who the abuser was.
“The only reason I do this now is because I’m hoping because of recent events, people will believe me” Heller stated, wrapping up her post. “I beg you to imagine her role in this being a man. Girls can rape girls. Best friends can rape best friends. Friendship does not equal consent. Silence does not equal consent. I wish it wasn’t so hard for me to convince myself of these things.”
Martinez has denied the allegations, claiming that “[Heller] never said no to what we chose to do together”.
There are currently no signs of legal actions being pursued. According to reports from the former ACSSA, 33% of LGBTQ+ participants have experienced intimate partner violence including sexual assault within Australia. Only 18% of those who had experienced this had reported it to police.
It is suspected that a reason for these low report rates include the fear that female on female rape is not taken as seriously as when it is perpetrated by a man. The dismissal of female rape of male identifying individuals is not dissimilar.
For the moment Heller has stepped away from social media, allowing close friend Joshua Goodson to respond on her behalf. When asked to respond further, Martinez’s publicist said only that she stands by her initial response.
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