Diplo has defended himself against a slew of accusations involving him and TikTok star, Quenlin Blackwell. The accusations came after Blackwell shared a series of videos of the pair and said that they lived together.
The videos show the two of them dancing and working together. One video showed Blackwell and Diplo dancing with the caption, “When you don’t have to pay rent.”
While in another, Blackwell posted a video as part of her “Living with Diplo: The Series”. She begins saying, “Hey guys, wes went on tour but I want to show yall content of me living with Diplo so imma just show you some of our texts.”
@quenblackwell LIVING WITH DIPLO: THE SERIES
@quenblackwell ##greenscreen LIVING WITH DIPLO: PART 6 the p o l i c e took 40 MINUTES TO COME AND SAVE US
@quenblackwell living with diplo: free peloton
After viewing the videos, many people took to social media, accusing Diplo, real name Thomas Wesley, of grooming Blackwell.
Wesley has since taken to Twitter, denying the accusations. He’s said that Blackwell is his tenant and his friend.
“Her social media is sarcastic and chaotic and I can see you can get a twisted idea but there is nothing but a friendship between us,” he said.
OK so I rent one of my properties to @quenblackwell. And yes I use the studio that is in that building. Her social media is sarcastic and chaotic and I can see you can get a twisted idea but there is nothing but a friendship between us.
— Thomas Wesley (@diplo) October 26, 2020
One Twitter user replied, “What do you have in common with a 19-year-old that would warrant a friendship, quick”
What do you have in common with a 19-year-old that would warrant a friendship, quick
— sam. (@loudtinfoil) October 26, 2020
The 41-year-old later replied, “We made music together”
As a landlord I don't really consider age or race as a qualification. U just gotta pay security deposit. And don't poke holes in the walls or ruin my carpet
— Thomas Wesley (@diplo) October 26, 2020
Twitter users began bringing up Diplo’s tweets from years prior.
Because it has zeo context now and my girlfriend at the time was 20 and we broke up. https://t.co/LExiTGSipV
— Thomas Wesley (@diplo) October 26, 2020
Yeh I used Twitter in a very dumb way back then and would not consider anything I wrote credible. Kinda cringe to read it without context https://t.co/rvCXN6R0eE
— Thomas Wesley (@diplo) October 26, 2020
Quenlin Blackwell has released a statement in defence of Diplo.
“I’m an adult. I’m not being groomed. Platonic relationships exist… I’ve been living here for over a year. I’d rather break both of my legs and be forced to walk than persue Diplo romantically and he’d rather choke,” she shared in a tweet.
“My parents trust him. I trust him. Y’all are making me feel icky.”
— queen quen (@quenblackwell) October 26, 2020
