Former JLS star Oritse Williams has denied raping a woman after a concert.
The 31-year-old singer – who enjoyed chart success after shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2008 – was arrested in December 2016 following allegations over an incident at a hotel in Wolverhampton.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality as well as to deny the charge.
Read more: JLS’s Aston Merrygold sends message of support to bandmate Oritsé Williams
During a 36-minute hearing, co-defendant Jamien Nagadhana, 31, from Hounslow, London, denied assault by penetration in connection with the same incident.
Williams, of Croydon, south London, was granted unconditional bail until his trial on May 14 at the same court.
Judge Nicholas Webb told the defendants: “The position is this – your trial is now listed for May 14. Your bail will continue until that date.”
After the allegations came to light, Williams said he would be stepping back from charity work, adding: “Press speculation is likely to be unhelpful to the charities I work with.”
In September, the singer was charged with rape over the alleged incident.
The 31-year-old singer was initially arrested in December 2016 following allegations that he raped a fan in a hotel room after a gig.
West Midlands Police said in September Williams and another man had been charged.
They stated: “Police have charged two men with sexual offences following an allegation of rape at a Wolverhampton hotel in December 2016.
“Oritsé Williams, aged 31, from Croydon, London, has been charged with rape. Jamien Nagadhana, aged 31, from Hounslow, London, has been charged with assault by penetration.”
The incident is alleged to have taken place during the pop star’s promotion of a solo album.
Following his performance at the Gorgeous Club in Wolverhampton, the alleged victim and her female friend reportedly spent time at the Ramada Park Hotel with Oritsé and one of his friends, before leaving to catch a taxi home.
She then realised she’d left her bag at the hotel and returned to collect it.
A police spokesperson later confirmed: “West Midlands Police were called to a Wolverhampton hotel at 7.45am on Friday December 2 after an allegation of rape and sexual assault was made by a 20-year-old woman.
“A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and a 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Both men have been bailed until February, pending further inquiries.”
At the time, the reality star’s management issued a statement in which he denied any wrongdoing.
They told The Mirror: “Oritsé denies the allegations against him. The matter is in the hands of the police and it would be totally wrong for us to comment any further.”
Read more: JLS star Oritsé Williams has been charged with rape