Axl Rose Faces Legal Battle for Alleged Sexual Assault – Justice on the Line
Former model Sheila Kennedy has filed a lawsuit against Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose for sexual assault stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred in 1989. Kennedy, who formerly modeled for Penthouse and was the 1983 Pet of the Year, claimed in her suit that she met Rose at a New York nightclub in February 1989. Rose reportedly invited Kennedy back to his hotel for a party with him and MTV’s Headbangers Ball host Riki Rachtman, excluding Kennedy’s friend as Rose deemed her “not hot enough.”
During the party, Kennedy stated that she saw multiple prescription pill bottles, including lithium, in Rose’s bathroom, causing her to fear for Rose’s safety due to potential mixing of medications with alcohol and other drugs. Upon exiting the bathroom, Kennedy found Rose waiting for her and alleged that he pushed her against the wall and kissed her, which she did not resist. However, the situation allegedly escalated when Rose engaged in sexual activity with another model in a manner that made Kennedy uncomfortable. The suit claims that Rose was aggressive and began encouraging group sex, prompting Kennedy and Rachtman to leave Rose’s bedroom.
Subsequently, Kennedy heard glass shattering and Rose verbally attacking the other model. Rachtman warned Kennedy that the situation would worsen as Rose dragged her back to his bedroom where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. The suit states that Rose forcibly penetrated Kennedy’s anus without consent or the use of a condom, leading to lifelong emotional, physical, psychological, and financial impacts on Kennedy’s life.
Kennedy previously detailed the allegations in her 2016 autobiography, “No One’s Pet,” and in the 2021 documentary “Look Away,” which focuses on sexual misconduct in the music industry. In response to the accusations, Rose denied the allegations through his lawyer, Alan Gutman, stating that the incident never occurred and that Rose has no recollection of ever meeting or speaking to Kennedy.
These allegations come amid a wave of sexual assault accusations in the music industry enabled by New York’s Adult Survivors Act, allowing victims of sexual offenses for which the statute of limitations has expired a one-year period to file civil suits. This law has led to multiple high-profile figures, including Steven Tyler, former Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid, former Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow, and the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, being sued for sexual offenses.
The lawsuit against Axl Rose is just one example of the ongoing battle against sexual misconduct in the music industry. Kennedy’s brave decision to come forward highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or fame. As the music community continues to navigate these challenging issues, it is crucial to support survivors and push for a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
