Criminal case opened against German rock legend

German authorities have launched an investigation against Till Lindemann, the frontman of iconic rock band Rammstein, who has been accused of sexual assault while on tour.

The public prosecutor’s office in Berlin announced on Wednesday that Lindemann is being investigated for “sexual offenses and the distribution of drugs.” The statement came hours after multiple German media outlets reported that legal proceedings have been initiated against the singer.

Accordion to Tagesspiegel, Lindemann is accused of violating Section 177 of the German Criminal Code, which covers sexual assault and rape. 

Several women, some of them anonymously, recently claimed that Lindemann had coerced them into committing sex acts and had assaulted them at concerts. They also alleged that they had been drugged. 

Shelby Lynn, a fan from Northern Ireland, told the BBC that she and several other women had been handpicked and escorted backstage to meet with Lindemann at a “pre-concert party” in Lithuania last month. She claimed that her drink was spiked and that she had been “groomed” as part of an “organized system of funneling girls.” Lynn alleged that the singer reacted angrily and left the room after she had refused to have sex with him.

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Lawyers for Lindemann have dismissed the allegations as “untrue, without exceptions,” and have promised to take legal action against his accusers.

Rammstein released a statement for fans earlier this month, saying that it took the allegations of assault “very seriously.” The band said it was “important to us that you feel comfortable and safe during our shows, in front of the stage and behind it.” 

Founded in 1994, Rammstein is known for extravagant performances and rowdy behavior on stage. Some of its music videos feature pornographic acts. German media reported last week that the band was on the verge of breaking up following the accusations against its frontman.