Riff Raff tour cancelled over rape allegations

Content warning: this story contains details of sexual assault. 

The sexual harassment policies of Australian music venues kicked in when they banded together and cancelled Texan rapper Riff Raff over allegations of rape and drugging on a previous tour.

The venues, along with promoter Audiopaxx, moved within hours after the allegations were first made.

The entire tour was cancelled on Friday, June 1; the same day it was to kick off at Cairns’ Republic RNB as part of the club’s opening weekend.

Melbourne woman Eliza Stafford posted on Facebook on Thursday that she had attended his 2013 show with her boyfriend, a Riff Raff fan.

Aged 19 at the time, she took up an invitation to come backstage.

“I was offered a 60ml ‘party’ shot. I took the shot, it was syrup and I immediately asked what it was.

“Riff Raff and his support act told me that it was codeine and started laughing. I don’t remember anything from that point.”

She found out later from other females backstage that she had been coerced to get into a car.

“I woke up as Riff Raff was pulling out of me and getting into the shower.”

The nightmare continued after.

According to her post, “I crawled – truly, on all fours – out of the hotel room and managed to get outside where I booked a taxi who wouldn’t take me because I was ‘too drunk’.

“I begged him to take me home, got back to my boyfriend’s house, and he was angry at me for ‘blowing him off’.

“I was punished for six months within that relationship for what ‘I did’. I was raped and blamed myself for five years.”

Tour promoters Audiopaxx issued a statement: “We have been made aware of allegations made against Houston rapper Riff Raff.

“Audiopaxx take these matters seriously and does not condone any of this alleged behaviour.

“In light of this, we have spoken to his management team and the scheduled tour of Australia and New Zealand has been cancelled, effective immediately.”

Audiopax declined to comment further after being contacted on the weekend.

Most of the venues also issued their own posts.

The Corner Hotel in Melbourne, which has long taken a strong stance against any kind of harassment stated: “The Corner and High Fi Events take allegations of sexual assault very seriously, and we have therefore cancelled Riff Raff’s upcoming show at the Corner Hotel.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure the venue is a safe and inclusive space for everybody and we don’t condone sexual harassment and assault of any kind.”

The Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle said it “takes these matters very seriously and want to ensure the venue is as safe and inclusive as can be. 

“This kind of behaviour won’t be tolerated and we will always support the safety of women and all patrons in our venue.”

The TBC Club in Brisbane expressed similar sentiments and added: “We offer our support to those women who are speaking out, and we trust our patrons who were planning to attend this event support our decision to cancel the show.

“TBC will always support the safety of women and all people in our venue and in the wider world.”

Adelaide’s HQ Complex also offered further support:

“Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to voice their concern.

“As a venue, we prioritise a safe and inclusive environment and we want anyone who has experienced any incident of sexual harassment or assault to know that we are listening and will support you.”

Sydney’s Courtyard Party shared: “We stand by and offer our support to the brave victim who found the courage to speak out.

“Music should always be enjoyed in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, and it is our priority to ensure we deliver this for our guests.

“We want to thank everyone who has expressed their concern. We stand by and offer our support to the brave victim who found the courage to speak out.”

Riff Raff has not responded to the allegations or to the tours cancellation.

His Facebook page noted that the first show, in Cairns, was cancelled but no update has been made.

If this story raised any issues for you, please contact:

– 24 hour support for survivors of sexual assault: 1800 RESPECT or 03 9635 3610

– Men’s Line: 1300 78 99 78