The concerts, which have been long-awaited by fans, are currently being overshadowed: several women accuse Rammstein lead singer Till Lindemann of having harassed them. Now his lawyers are reacting.
Munich – For days, Rammstein lead singer Till Lindemann has been confronted with serious allegations. Several women, some of them anonymous, accuse the bandleader of sexual harassment and abuse on social media. Now the band lets lawyers speak for themselves. The allegations are "invariably untrue," according to Berlin lawyers Simon Bergmann and Christian Schertz, who are among Germany's best-known media lawyers.
Rammstein distances itself from "serious allegations" – Lindemann calls in lawyers
In an initial statement on the allegations, the band distanced itself from the serious allegations. "We condemn any kind of assault," Rammstein announced a few days ago. In the statement, the musicians around singer Lindemann also asked not to participate in the "public prejudices of any kind".
Now the rock band is also taking legal action against the allegations and is being represented by the law firm specializing in media. A press release from the lawyers states: "In the social networks, especially on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, serious allegations have been made by various women to the detriment of our client".
Rammstein lead singer Till Lindemann is confronted with serious allegations. Now his lawyers are stepping in. © Carlos Santiago/Imago
The women claimed to have been put under drugs, specifically narcotics, at after-show events of Rammstein concerts so that Lindemann could perform sexual acts on them. "We will immediately take legal action against the individuals for all allegations of this nature," the press release continues.
Rammstein allegations: Till Lindemann's lawyers accuse the media of "inadmissible suspicious reporting"
The media coverage is now also to be legally examined. "The accusations made were picked up and disseminated by numerous media," and "in many cases there was inadmissible suspicion reporting" against Rammstein and above all Till Lindemann, according to the accusation of the lawyers.
On the one hand, the legal representatives of the rock band criticized the lack of evidence, and on the other hand, objective reporting often did not take place. Therefore, they want to "take immediate legal action" against the media in these cases as well.
Rammstein ahead of concerts in Munich: "It's important that fans feel safe and comfortable at shows"
In Rammstein's statement a few days ago, the band referred to the presumption of innocence. Although the women have "a right to their point of view", the band also has a right – namely not to be prejudged either. This was sometimes violated by the media, the lawyers criticize. With a view to the upcoming concerts in Munich, Rammstein also emphasized: "It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at our shows – in front of and behind the stage".
Around the sold-out concerts, however, there were also clashes between supporters of the band and demonstrators. In an urgent application, it was even demanded to cancel the Rammstein concerts in Munich's Olympic Stadium. (rku/dpa)