“The Case Is Over”: Alice Glass Awarded $20,000 In Legal Battle With Ethan Kath

This article discusses sexual assault.

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Alice Glass has been awarded USD$20,000 in court for attorney fees and costs after an ongoing legal dispute with her former Crystal Castles bandmate Ethan Kath.

The dispute, which has involved multiple lawsuits, centres on accusations from Glasss (real name Margaret Osborn) of sexual and physical abuse against Kath (real name Claudio Palmieri) as detailed thoroughly in a statement last October.

Inspired to come forward by the “momentum” of the #MeToo movement, Glass alleged the abuse began shortly after the pair met when she was 15-years-old, and continued for more than a decade until Glass left the band in 2014.

Kath has continually denied the claims, and continues to record and tour as Crystal Castles with new bandmate Edith Frances. After several of the band’s tour dates were cancelled in wake of the allegations, Kath sued Glass for damages and defamation in November.

In response, Glass’s lawyers attempted to dismiss the claim, arguing that Kath had curbed Glass’ “constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances”.

After judges initially ruled in Glass’s favour in February, Kath hired a new legal team and attempted to have his lawsuit’s dismissal vacated due to the “mistakes, inadvertence, neglect, and misconduct” of his previous lawyer.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Samantha Jessner denied Kath’s latest motion, ruling that an attorney’s mistakes aren’t warrant to have a dismissal vacated. Jessner also awarded Glass USD $20,000 (AUD$26,684).

oh and the bullshit lawsuit by my former bandmate was once again denied in his appeal attempt today. now he owes us legal fees pic.twitter.com/LRMr2zpDh7

— ALICE GLASS (@ALICEGLASS) May 16, 2018

This case did not address Kath’s original claims of damages. It’s possible the legal dispute could continue, as Kath’s lawyers told Pitchfork in an email that they plan to appeal.

“As a matter of record, Ethan Kath vehemently denies the allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse levelled at him by Alice Glass, which he contends were made both maliciously and for the purpose of publicity,” the lawyer wrote.

Glass’s lawyers are convinced otherwise, telling Pitchfork: “The case is over.”

Glass will tour in Australia next month, performing in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart as part of Dark Mofo. Most recently, she released a song called ‘Cease And Desist’.

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.