A chilling account unfolded in court, detailing a woman’s harrowing experience after waking to find former Spandau Ballet frontman Ross Davidson attempting to have sex with her without consent. The incident allegedly occurred in a Thai hotel room, a stark contrast to the glamorous stages he once commanded.
The woman, whose identity is protected by law, testified that she met Davidson on a dating app shortly before the alleged assault. Describing herself as trusting, she admitted to a naive belief that such a violation was unthinkable, especially while vulnerable and asleep.
She awoke to a terrifying reality: Davidson, without a condom, and seemingly surprised by her consciousness. Her immediate reaction wasn’t panic, but a calculated attempt to de-escalate the situation, fearing physical harm. She calmly asked him what he was doing, her voice measured despite the rising dread.
The court heard Davidson reportedly responded with a chillingly casual “thanks for being cool about it,” as she attempted to reason with him. She emphasized the necessity of consent and the lack of protection, desperately trying to assert control in a situation spiraling out of her control.
A wave of fear washed over her, a terrifying realization of potential violence. She vividly recalled contemplating the possibility of death, unsure of Davidson’s capacity for harm. Her calm demeanor was a shield, a desperate attempt to avoid triggering an attack.
Evidence presented included disturbing video footage discovered on Davidson’s phone. The footage allegedly showed the woman lying “at least half naked” and “unresponsive” in the Phuket hotel room, appearing to be fondled while asleep. She was unaware of the video’s existence until informed by police.
The discovery of the footage left her feeling profoundly violated and disempowered. The fear that it could be disseminated online, exploited for pornography, added another layer of trauma to an already devastating experience. Police assured her the video remained solely on his device.
She poignantly questioned the very notion of consent while unconscious, asking how such an act could ever be considered anything but assault. The idea that anyone could derive pleasure from such a violation was incomprehensible to her.
Davidson, who also performed as Ross Wild, has pleaded not guilty to rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault in both Thailand and London. He has, however, admitted to a charge of voyeurism related to the Thailand incident.
His defense claims there was no sexual contact with the London accuser due to a lack of attraction, and that the encounter in Thailand was consensual, alleging the woman feigned sleep. The trial continues, leaving a shadow over the former performer’s career and a woman grappling with the aftermath of a terrifying ordeal.
