Investigations Into Rammstein's Till Lindemann Regarding Sexual Assault Allegations Dropped

30 August 2023 | 1:58 pm | Mary Varvaris
Originally Appeared In

Allegations towards the singer first surfaced in May.

Rammstein

Rammstein (Credit: Jens Koch)

More Rammstein More Rammstein

German prosecutors have dropped investigations regarding sexual assault allegations towards Rammstein vocalist Till Lindemann, The Guardian reports.

According to reports, the investigations “did not provide any evidence,” and allegations couldn’t be substantiated as the accusers who made the allegations towards Lindemann hadn’t provided direct testimony to police or other law enforcement agencies.

Louder Sound adds that investigations into Alena Makeeva – a former member of the band’s inner circle who was accused of taking girls backstage to Lindemann – have also been dropped. Evidence towards her was also deemed insufficient, ruling that she hadn’t participated in criminal activity.

Lindemann’s lawyers said in a statement, “The rapid termination of investigative proceedings by the Berlin state prosecutor's office shows that there is insufficient evidence that our client allegedly committed sexual offences.”

The allegations against Lindemann first surfaced in May, when Irish fan and concertgoer Shelby Lynn alleged that she was drugged at one of Rammstein’s pre-concert parties in Vilnius, Lithuania. She further claimed that Lindemann asked her for sex, and once she said no, he furiously stormed away.

German news outlet Tagesschau also published an article featuring different allegations against Lindemann. Another woman came forward and similarly claimed that she had her drink spiked with drugs. However, she also alleged that sexual misconduct took place.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

Tagesschau’s reported allegations read: "Lindemann was lying on her when she regained consciousness and asked her if he should stop. 'And I didn't even know what he wanted to stop doing.'"

In response to Lynn’s allegations, Rammstein wrote on social media, “With regard to the allegations circulating on the internet about Vilnius, we can rule out the possibility that what is being claimed took place in our environment. We are not aware of any official investigations into this matter.”

A week later, the band issued another statement that denied the allegations, writing on Instagram, “We condemn any kind of trespassing and ask you: do not participate in public prejudice of any kind against those who made the allegations. They are entitled to their way they see things.

“But we, the band, also have a right - namely, not to be prejudiced.”

While the band have denied the allegations, Lindemann’s book publishers, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, dropped the singer. In early June, The New York Times reported that Universal Music had paused marketing and promotion for Rammstein. A spokesperson for the label said in a statement, “The accusations against Till Lindemann have shocked us.”

In mid-June, Rammstein drummer Christoph Schneider personally addressed the allegations against his bandmate, writing on Instagram that the claims had “shaken us as a band and me as a person”.

This article deals with issues that may disturb readers. If you are suffering or need assistance, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.