Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses faces shocking allegations of rape by former model
Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose is facing a lawsuit filed by former Penthouse magazine model Sheila Kennedy. She alleges that Rose raped her in a 1989 attack at a New York City hotel, causing her anxiety, depression, and negatively impacting her career. Kennedy, who is now 61 years old, filed the lawsuit in State Supreme Court in Manhattan on Wednesday, seeking compensatory and punitive damages for physical injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and economic harm.
The lawsuit was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a temporary law that allows adult victims to sue over attacks that occurred many years ago. This law is set to expire after today, Thursday, 23 November. The Adult Survivors Act has played a crucial role in providing a window for adults who have been traumatized by past abuse to seek justice and accountability from those responsible.
Sheila Kennedy’s lawsuit alleges that she met Axl Rose in a Manhattan nightclub in February 1989. After being invited to a party in his hotel suite, Kennedy witnessed Rose engaging in sexual activities with another model before turning his attention to her. The lawsuit details the harrowing experience of Kennedy being dragged across the floor by her hair, having her hands tied with pantyhose, and being sexually assaulted by Rose without her consent.
The lawsuit further states that Kennedy has suffered lifelong emotional, physical, psychological, and financial harm as a result of the attack. She has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and experiences symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder whenever she hears Rose’s name or the music of Guns N’ Roses. The trauma of the assault has also impacted her ability to participate in social scenarios crucial for her career, leading to a decline in her earnings.
Attorney Alan S. Gutman, representing Axl Rose, vehemently denies the allegations, stating that the incident never occurred. He asserts that Rose has no recollection of meeting or interacting with Kennedy and is confident that the case will be resolved in his favor. While Kennedy has previously made allegations against Rose in her memoir and a documentary, this lawsuit marks a significant legal battle between the two parties.
The case has garnered attention due to the high-profile nature of both Kennedy and Rose. As the Adult Survivors Act in New York nears its expiration date, the outcome of this lawsuit may have implications for other cases involving historical sexual abuse allegations.
Overall, the lawsuit filed by Sheila Kennedy against Axl Rose underscores the importance of providing avenues for survivors to seek justice and accountability, even decades after the crimes have taken place. It sheds light on the enduring impact of sexual assault on individuals’ lives and careers, and the significance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
