German Prosecutors Are Investigating Till Lindemann Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Things are getting much hotter for Rammstein and their frontman Till Lindemann and it’s got nothing to do with their pyrotechnics. According to a recent report by Agence France-Presse, German prosecutors revealed that they have opened an investigation into the numerous allegations sexual misconduct leveled against the iconic industrial metal act and their frontman.
In addition to the allegations, Berlin’s public prosecution office said they are also looking into related allegations that the band or their personnel were involved in distributing narcotics, as well.
The situation surrounding Rammstein first came to light when a fan named Shelby Lynn took to social media to chronicle a situation she experienced while participating in the band’s “Row 0” party at the band’s show in Vilnius, Lithuania. According to multiple accounts, these parties are attended by young women who were personally hand-picked by members of Rammstein’s team.
In Lynn’s recollection of the events, she said she was introduced to Lindemann, who served shots of tequila to Lynn and the other women present. She notes that she’s not sure if it happened then, but she believes her drink may have been spiked, since she claims she was a stumbling mess for the rest of the night. Her allegations also include a situation where she was brought to a side room to be with Lindemann who expressed wanting to have sex with her during the show’s intermission, but she refused, resulting in a reportedly angry Lindemann.
Since then, a follow up report in German news outlet Tagesschau outlined claims by other women as well. In those cases, several women spoke up about their experiences with Lindemann, often corroborating what Lynn alleged. Though in once instance, a woman claimed she was subjected to non-consensual sex acts with the vocalist, while another woman said she “awoke in a hotel room to find Lindemann lying on her.” The woman said she was later offered drugs by Lindemann’s people.
As a result of these allegations, Lindemann was dropped by his publisher Kiepenheuer & Witsch.
The band has since denied the allegations, saying the following:
“The publications of the last few days have caused irritation and questions among the public and especially among our fans. The allegations hit us all very hard, and we take them extremely seriously. We say to our fans: It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at our shows—in front of and behind the stage.
“We condemn any kind of transgression and ask you: Do not engage in public prejudice of any kind against those who have made allegations. You have a right to your point of view. But we, the band, also have a right—namely not to be prejudiced either.”
While these allegations aren’t to be taken lightly, the allegations leveled by the women involved are still just allegations at the moment, as no charges have formally been filed.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org for more resources.
