Image Source: IMDb, Sioux City Journal

Actresses of West Side Story are finally addressing the allegations against co-star and actor Ansel Elgort.

Ansel Elgort was accused of sexual assault in June 2020 after a woman who identify herself as Gabby took to her Twitter to share that the actor assaulted her when she was 17-years-old and he was 20-years-old. She wrote, "I was just a kid and was a fan of him, so when it happened instead of asking me if I wanted to stop having sex knowing it was my first time and I was sobbing in pain and I didn't want to do it the only words that came out of his mouth were, 'We need to break you in.' I WASNT there at that moment mentally. I dissociated myself and just felt like my mind was gone and I was in shock ... I couldn't leave, I was only 5'2" and 98 pounds. Years later, I have PTSD, I have panic attacks, I go to therapy. Finally, I'm ready to talk about it and finally heal. I'm not posting this to 'clout chase' because I simply don't care for that. I just want to heal and I want to tell other girls who have been through the same s--t as me. You're not alone. It's a lot for me to even come on here and tell my story. I simply don't want to post it all."

Gabby's statement against Ansel. Image Source: Indulge Express 

Ansel Elgort denied the allegation but mentioned that they had a brief, legal and consensual relationship. He said, "I have never and would never assault anyone. I was distressed to see the social media posts about me that have been circulating in the past 24 hours. I cannot claim to understand Gabby's feelings but her description of events is simply not what happened. What is true is that in New York in 2014, when I was 20, Gabby and I had a brief, legal, and entirely consensual relationship. Unfortunately, I did not handle the breakup well. I stopped responding to her, which is an immature and cruel thing to do to someone. I know this belated apology does not absolve me of my unacceptable behavior when I disappeared. As I look back at my attitude, I am disgusted and deeply ashamed of the way I acted. I am truly sorry. I know I must continue to reflect, learn, and work to grow in empathy."

(Please Note: The age of consent in New York, where the incident took place, is 17.)

According to reports, Gabby was not the only one who came out with the allegations against Ansel Elgort but one woman shared that Ansel asked her to Snapchat him when she was 15, another said that she met Ansel and went on two dates when she was 16 and third woman in a now-deleted tweet wrote that Ansel Elgort had sent her a picture of his penis in 2014 when she was 14.

Ansel Elgort's statement denying the allegations. Image Source: We Got This Covered 

When the tweets of the allegation surfaced on the internet, Rachel said at that time, "I am feeling a little lost tonight and I am feeling a little disappointed. i know some of you are, too. that's the world right now— but it's necessary." There were no charges filed against him and the tweets by the woman were also deleted Ansel did not address the claims by other women but decided to take a social media break.

Baby Driver actor was not edited from ‘West Side Story’ but was noticeably sidelines during the press tour for the movie. Although being a part of the movie he appeared on the red carpet for the New York premiere and did participate in-group interviews.

Recently the three women in the movie during their interview with The Hollywood Reporter have addressed the allegations where Ariana DeBose said, “Nobody really knows what’s going on in anyone’s head. Only the people who were involved in that situation know what actually went down.”

Rita Moreno said, “I think it would have been absolutely horrendous and wrong for anyone to take sides in that matter. It’s not for me to make those judgments.” Rachel Zegler who plays the romantic lead opposite to Ansel Elgort’s character in the movie said, “We made a movie two and a half years ago, and a lot has gone on in the world since then. A lot has changed very publicly, and privately as well. There’s been a lot of awakening. You just hope that the people involved are OK, that they are asked in a respectful manner and that they are given the opportunity to answer for themselves.”

Cast of 'West Side Story'. Image Source: DAPS Magic 

Ansel Elgort will be seen next in Tokyo Vice in which he is playing the character of Adelstein for HBO Max. The actor will also portray the role of JFK in an upcoming movie Mayday 109 and will star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Finest Kind. As for West Side Story, the three incredible women are nominated for Critics Choice Awards. Ariana DeBose is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award and critics and audience have predicted for an Oscar nomination as well. Ariana DeBose and Rachel Zegler have already picked up Golden Globes for their work in the film.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, get help. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE [4673]) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in need.