Spandau Ballet’s Ross Davidson Found Guilty of Rape and Attempted Sexual Assault

Ross Davidson’s conviction marks a grim chapter in Spandau Ballet’s history, highlighting the dark side behind the former frontman’s charm.

The Shocking Verdict: Ross Davidson’s Guilty Plea

If you grew up listening to the smooth sounds of Spandau Ballet, the news about Ross Davidson—also known as Ross Wild—hits like an unexpected, harsh chord. The once-charismatic frontman, who performed with the band as recently as 2018, was found guilty of rape and attempted sexual assault following a tense trial that gripped London.

Davidson stood accused of two horrifying offenses: the rape of a woman in London in March 2015 and the attempted rape plus sexual assault of another woman in Thailand in December 2019. These women, both met through Tinder, described encounters that turned deeply traumatic. Despite Davidson’s plea of not guilty—claiming consensual relations—the jury at Wood Green Crown Court deliberated for over 11 hours before convicting him on all counts on January 28.

Behind the Charisma: A Darker Reality

Prosecutor Richard Hearnden painted a chilling picture of Davidson’s duality. He called him “a bit of a sex symbol” but quickly shattered any illusion of innocence: “There are two women who say that he has a much darker side.”

“Men such as the defendant, it is often supposed, can get any girl he wants without having to resort to committing sexual offences, without having to resort to forcing himself on women, without having to resort to rape. After all, he is attractive and possesses charisma and charm. Yet, the reality belies that supposition. It is because Ross Davidson expects to get sex on demand that he will resort to rape and sexual assault if he is not given what he thinks he deserves.”

That expectation, born from entitlement and manipulation, made the court proceedings all the more harrowing.

The Victims’ Voices: Harrowing Testimonies

One of the women bravely recounted feeling “helpless” and “scared to react” when Davidson attacked her while she was asleep in his bed. The chilling detail that Davidson once mentioned “he liked the idea of having sex with a mannequin, a person in a helpless state, someone not moving” added a macabre layer to the case.

Davidson, meanwhile, attempted to frame himself as “sex positive” during the trial, suggesting he supported “open dialogue, open-mindedness about people’s predilections, just an openness to trying different sexual appetites.” But the court saw through this to the grim reality of coercion and abuse.

A Disturbing Pattern in Thailand

The case took an even darker turn with the 2019 incident in Thailand. Davidson pleaded guilty to voyeurism for secretly filming the woman on his phone while she slept. She described waking up to Davidson attempting to rape her, a horrifying breach of trust and safety.

Davidson admitted to filming her for “selfish reasons, for sexual gratification,” claiming he only had permission to touch her but not to record. Later, he expressed regret: “I wish I had never done it.” Unfortunately, those words rang hollow in the wake of the trauma he inflicted.

What’s Next? Sentencing and Reflection

While the jury’s verdict was clear, the final sentencing is yet to come. Davidson’s next hearing is scheduled for February 4. This case serves as a potent reminder that no amount of fame or charm can shield someone from accountability for their actions.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs support regarding sexual harassment or assault, resources are available:

• In the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website
• In the US, visit RAINN

This verdict underscores the importance of listening to survivors and ensuring justice is served, no matter the stature of the accused.

Reflecting on a Troubling Chapter in Music History

As a fan of the era when Spandau Ballet ruled the airwaves with their iconic new wave sound, it’s difficult to reconcile the music with the man. Davidson’s conviction reminds us that behind the glitz, there can sometimes be darkness—an unsettling reminder that charisma and charm don’t always equate to character.

FAQ

• What was Ross Davidson convicted of?
  Ross Davidson was found guilty of rape and attempted sexual assault involving two women he met through Tinder.
• When did the offenses occur?
  The offenses took place in March 2015 in London and December 2019 in Thailand.
• Did Davidson plead guilty to any charges?
  He pleaded guilty to voyeurism related to the 2019 incident in Thailand but denied the other charges before the trial.
• When is the sentencing scheduled?
  Davidson’s sentencing hearing is set for February 4.
• Are there resources for victims of sexual assault?
  Yes, organizations like Rape Crisis in the UK and RAINN in the US offer support and information.

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