Axl Rose Faces Legal Battle: Accused of Sexual Assault
Former Penthouse model Sheila Kennedy has filed a lawsuit against Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose, alleging sexual assault during the band’s peak in 1989. The court documents were presented in New York State Supreme Court just as the New York Adult Survivor’s Act is nearing expiration after Thanksgiving. Kennedy’s lawyers claim that she has endured severe emotional, physical, financial, and psychological distress as a result of the incident. They hope that Kennedy’s bravery in coming forward will serve as a pivotal moment for the music industry, shedding light on the prevalent culture of violence and sexual misconduct that has been prevalent for decades.
According to the lawsuit, Kennedy, a former Penthouse Pet of the Year, was invited back to Rose’s hotel after meeting him at a nightclub. Although she initially agreed, she became uncomfortable when she discovered Rose’s intentions of engaging in group sex with another model and his friend, Riki Rachtman. The encounter quickly escalated into a distressing situation as Rose allegedly knocked Kennedy down, forcibly dragged her to the bedroom, tied her hands with pantyhose, and sexually assaulted her in a volatile state.
Kennedy is seeking compensatory damages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, attorney fees, and additional costs through a jury trial. Despite the accusations, Rose has denied the incident through his attorney, stating that the alleged assault never took place and that he has no recollection of ever meeting or speaking to Kennedy before. He remains confident that the case will ultimately be resolved in his favor.
Dr. Ann Olivarius of McAllister Olivarius, representing Kennedy, highlighted the importance of survivors finding their voice and seeking justice in a system that has often enabled and covered up such misconduct. This case represents a broader issue within the music industry and hopes to bring about a positive change in addressing and preventing similar incidents in the future.
As more individuals come forward with their stories, it is crucial for the industry and society as a whole to address and rectify the toxic culture that has normalized sexual assault and harassment for far too long. By holding perpetrators accountable and supporting survivors, we can strive towards a safer and more respectful environment for all individuals involved in the music scene.
