Former Crystal Castles vocalist Alice Glass has come out on top in a court case which saw accusations of defamation levied against her by former bandmate Ethan Kath.
Back in October, Alice Glass (born Margaret Osborn) posted a statement on her website in which she alleged that Crystal Castles’ Ethan Kath had sexually assaulted her over a number of years.
“I met ‘Ethan Kath’ (Claudio Palmieri) when I was in the 10th grade,” she wrote in a statement on her website. “The first time he took advantage of me was when I was around 15. He was 10 years older than me.”
“Leaving Crystal Castles was the single most difficult decision I’ve ever made—that band was everything to me. My music, my performances and my fans were all I had in the world. I gave that up and started over not because I wanted to but because I had to,” she continued.
“As difficult as it was, I knew that leaving was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has taken me years to recover from enduring almost a decade of abuse, manipulation and psychological control. I am still recovering.”
At the time, Ethan Kath rebuffed these allegations, stating that they were “pure fiction,” before revealing that he had intentions to sue Glass for defamation.
“Alice and I had a long ongoing relationship both personal and professional. When she suddenly left Crystal Castles to handle her mental health issues and substance abuse issues I fully supported her,” Kath said in a statement at the time.
“I will continue to support her quest to wellness,” he continues. “But I can’t support extortion, false claims, and accusations put forth after the band attained new success without her.”
Kath’s lawsuit claimed that he “suffered emotional distress” due to the lies which were supposedly concocted in order to “ruin his good name and reputation in the industry, destroy Crystal Castles… and in turn boost her own career.”
Just last week, Alice Glass remained confident that she would win the court case against her, stating “everything I said was true. You shouldn’t be able to waste everyone’s time and money to have a lawsuit that I’m going to win.” Now, Alice Glass has revealed that the court case against her has been dismissed, as Pitchfork reports.
“I won in court today!! the defamation lawsuit against me was dismissed,” Glass revealed on Twitter. “Thank you so much for the love and support throughout this ugly process.”
“This is a victory for survivors of abuse and sexual misconduct in countries where abusers use the court system to further victimize and keep people silent. WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED.”
I won in court today!! the defamation lawsuit against me was dismissed !
thank you so much for the love and support throughout this ugly process— ALICE GLASS (@ALICEGLASS) February 23, 2018
this is a victory for survivors of abuse and sexual misconduct in countries where abusers use the court system to further victimize and keep people silent. WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED
— ALICE GLASS (@ALICEGLASS) February 23, 2018
According to Pitchfork, the Los Angeles Superior Court confirmed the dismissal of the case, with Glass’ lawyer stating, “We are extremely pleased with the Court’s decision to grant our motion to strike, which effectively dismisses the complaint in its entirety. As the prevailing, party, we are entitled to attorneys fees and will return to court to obtain an order in that regard.”
At this stage, Ethan Kath is yet to respond to the news of the case’s dismissal. Following Glass’ allegations, more women have come forward to accuse him of sexual abuse, but he is yet to address these allegations.
If you or somebody you care for has experienced sexual assault, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 to speak to a counsellor.