Sexual misconduct investigation into Rammstein's Till Lindemann dropped
Berlin prosecutors cite lack of evidence
Prosecutors in Germany have dropped an investigation into Rammstein vocalist Till Lindemann that followed allegations of sexual misconduct.
Berlin state prosecutors said the investigations “did not provide any evidence”, and that they were unable to substantiate allegations as law enforcement agencies had not received direct testimony from the accusers.
According to the Guardian, lawyers acting for Lindemann said: “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.”
Allegations against Lindemann surfaced in June after a fan named Shelby Lynn alleged online that her drinks had been spiked at a ‘pre-party’ in Lithunia on May 22.
She described encountering Lindemann in a below-stage room during the show’s intermission, where he allegedly reacted angrily after she refused his advances.
The BBC reports that she later said on social media: "I'd like to clarify again. Till did NOT touch me. He accepted I did not want to have sex with him. I never claimed he raped me."
The band quickly issued a statement refuting the initial allegations, but more reports followed from other Rammstein fans.
There were claims that female fans attending live performances were regularly selected to be introduced to Lindemann, with some appearing to have been drugged.
In June, prosecutors in Lithuania announced that they would not open investigations into Lynn's allegation.
Berlin prosecutors did open an investigation “over allegations relating to sexual offences and the distribution of drugs”.
That investigation has now been dropped, as has a related investigation into the allegations made against Alena Makeeva, the former member of Rammstein's inner circle who had been accused of selecting girls to be taken backstage.
Insufficient evidence was found to support the allegation that she had engaged in criminal activity.