Former Model Accuses Guns N’ Roses Frontman Axl Rose of Sexual Assault in Shocking 1989 Allegation
Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns N’ Roses, is currently facing a lawsuit from former Penthouse model and actress Sheila Kennedy, who alleges that the musician sexually assaulted her back in 1989. The incident, according to Kennedy’s court documents, took place in a New York hotel room after meeting Rose at a nightclub.
In her lawsuit, Kennedy accuses Rose of using his fame and power to gain access to her and then proceeded to sexually assault her without her consent. She describes feeling trapped and compelled to acquiesce to his advances, leading to severe emotional, physical, financial, and psychological distress as well as issues with intimacy. Kennedy is seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial for the alleged assault.
Dr. Ann Olivarius, representing Kennedy, emphasized the significance of this lawsuit in shedding light on a culture of violence and sexual misconduct within the music industry that has been overlooked for too long. Olivarius hopes that Kennedy’s courage will empower other victims to come forward and speak out against similar experiences.
Kennedy filed her lawsuit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which allows adults who claim to be survivors of sexual offenses to sue their alleged abusers even if the statute of limitations has passed. This legislation provided a one-year window for such claims, expiring soon after the filing of Kennedy’s lawsuit.
Despite Kennedy’s claims, Rose’s attorney, Alan S. Gutman, has refuted the allegations, labeling them as “fictional.” Rose denies the incident ever taking place and asserts that he has no recollection of ever meeting or speaking to Kennedy. Gutman is confident that the case will be resolved in Rose’s favor.
This lawsuit against Axl Rose serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing misconduct and abuse within the music industry. It underscores the need for accountability and justice for survivors of sexual assault, paving the way for a safer and more inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the industry.
