A ROW has erupted after rapper Slowthai was put forward for three BRIT Awards while facing two charges of rape.
The 28-year-old has made the long lists for Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act ahead of the ceremony in March.
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He faces trial before July 1 accused of raping a woman twice in September 2021 following a gig in Oxford during a UK tour.
Slowthai — real name Tyron Frampton — appeared before the city’s magistrates in May.
The Northampton-born star, who has “categorically denied” the claims, was scrubbed from the Glastonbury, and Reading and Leeds Festival line-ups after his court appearance.
But he is due to be at the music bash at the O2 Arena in South East London.
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The BRIT Awards Committee can deem any artist ineligible if it judges they have brought the awards “into disrepute”.
Women’s Aid said organisers should “think carefully” about how nominating Slowthai will feel to rape and sex assault survivors.
A spokeswoman said: “For many survivors of abuse, his inclusion on the list will already be a sign that rape is not taken seriously.
“With the awards before the court date, organisers should consider that if this man wins a category, how women who have survived rape will feel watching an alleged rapist being celebrated in such a public way.”
Showthai, who is charged alongside Alex Walker, 25, from London, who denies rape and sexual assault, wrote on Instagram: “I am innocent and I am confident my name will be cleared.”
A BRIT Awards spokeswoman and another for sponsor Mastercard did not comment when approached.
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