Singer Melanie Martinez was trending at number one worldwide this morning (5 December 2017) after longtime friend Timothy Heller accused the former Voice contestant of rape.
In a series of notes posted to Twitter, Heller wrote about how Martinez — her best friend at the time — had begged her for sex two nights in a row and eventually bargained with her until Heller felt powerless to stop the interaction.
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When I wrote this story about my assault, I initially wasn’t going to make the abuser. But I think it’s important for you all to know this is about Melanie Martinez pic.twitter.com/4PQ5oNI2s9
— Timothy Heller (@timethyheller) December 4, 2017
“I’m not sure how to end this story,” Heller wrote. “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.”
‘Girls can rape girls,’ Heller said after accusing Melanie Martinez of rape
“Melanie Martinez” was trending almost immediately after the accusation was posted. While a few fans are doubtful of Heller’s claims — as is often the case with sexual assault allegations — most have denounced the musician.
Melanie Martinez themed DIY
#MelanieMartinezIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/GCQ903I4Lp —
(@tragictoastt) December 5, 2017
I’m sick of seeing people going “BuT tHeRe’S nO pRoOf” about Melanie Martinez. What proof?! Can’t collect semen, no one else was present as it usually happens in these situations so what “proof” are you seeking? How bout NOT giving the rapist the benefit of doubt over the victim? pic.twitter.com/RiJeqfAs1l
— Loopy (@jellyjanebean) December 5, 2017
Others referred to Martinez’s music while expressing their belief in Heller’s allegation.
Martinez has long adopted a child-like persona dubbed Cry Baby — also the name of her debut album. In the album, the singer touches on subjects like mental illness, rape, and kidnapping, all wrapped in a candyfloss exterior.
MELANIE MARTINEZ HAS ROMANTICIZED MENTAL ILLNESSES AND HAS LITERALLY MADE SONGS ABOUT RAPE, BEING KIDNAPPED ETC.. ALL DRESSED UP AS A LITTLE FUCKING GIRL. I WOULDN’T FUCKING PUT IT PAST HER
— trASH (@garrettftshane) December 5, 2017
Martinez’s YouTube page has lost nearly 3000 subscribers since the news broke, according to analytics tool SocialBlade.
The artist issued comment on Twitter, claiming Heller “never said no to what [they] chose to do together”.
— CRYBABY (@MelanieLBBH) December 5, 2017
Updated to include statement from Martinez.
Feature image: DeShaun Craddock via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0, resized)
