Last year, former Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick was hit with three separate sexual assault allegations, including rape. Eight months later, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has announced it will not prosecute the actor.
As the BBC reports, prosecutors said there was "insufficient evidence" to pursue any charges against the 30-year-old actor. They added that two of Westwick's alleged victims were "not able to provide information that would enable the prosecution to prove either incident beyond a reasonable doubt."
A third woman's case could not go forward because of her "unavailability." Other women had also alleged unwanted touching against the actor, but they fell outside of the statute of limitations.
In the wake of the charges, Westwick had maintained his innocence. "I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman," he said in an Instagram post after the initial accusation. "I certainly have never committed rape."
Though Westwick won't be prosecuted, his alleged actions have had consequences on his career. He was cut out of the BBC's Agatha Christie drama Ordeal, and his BBC Two/Netflix series White Gold was put on hold.
As the BBC reports, prosecutors said there was "insufficient evidence" to pursue any charges against the 30-year-old actor. They added that two of Westwick's alleged victims were "not able to provide information that would enable the prosecution to prove either incident beyond a reasonable doubt."
A third woman's case could not go forward because of her "unavailability." Other women had also alleged unwanted touching against the actor, but they fell outside of the statute of limitations.
In the wake of the charges, Westwick had maintained his innocence. "I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman," he said in an Instagram post after the initial accusation. "I certainly have never committed rape."
Though Westwick won't be prosecuted, his alleged actions have had consequences on his career. He was cut out of the BBC's Agatha Christie drama Ordeal, and his BBC Two/Netflix series White Gold was put on hold.
