The woman who accused Conor Oberst of rape last year has now taken the whole thing back. Joanie Faircloth issued a notarized statement today saying that the comments she posted on xoJane accusing the singer of sexual assault were “100% false,” and that she “made up those lies about him trying to get attention.” Faircloth adds that she was “going through a difficult period in [her] life” and had a sick son—neither of which really excuse her actions, even if they are intensely sad. Faircloth apologized to Oberst and his family, as well as to his fans and “actual sexual assault victims,” saying she’s sorry her accusation “could undermine” their claims.
Oberst sued Faircloth for libel earlier this year and is seeking $1.2 million in damages. It’s unclear if that lawsuit will continue.