Shocking Allegations: Former Model Files Lawsuit Against Axl Rose for 1989 Rape

Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose has been accused of raping former model Sheila Kennedy in 1989, as per a lawsuit filed by Kennedy on Wednesday. The incident allegedly occurred at a New York City hotel, causing Kennedy to suffer from anxiety, depression, and damage to her career.

Kennedy, now 61 years old, took legal action in State Supreme Court in Manhattan seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for physical and emotional harm caused by the incident. The lawsuit, filed under the temporary New York law known as the Adult Survivors Act, allows adult victims to pursue legal action for past assaults.

Alan S. Gutman, Rose’s attorney, released a statement denying the allegations against his client. He stated that the incident never took place and that the claims were fabricated. Rose has no recollection of meeting or speaking to Kennedy and believes that the case will be resolved in his favor.

In her lawsuit, Kennedy alleges that she met Rose at a Manhattan nightclub in 1989, where he reportedly invited her to join a party in his hotel suite. The lawsuit claims that the attack left Kennedy with long-lasting emotional, physical, and financial damage, resulting in symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder whenever she hears Rose’s name or the music of Guns N’ Roses.

Kennedy has previously made similar allegations against Rose in her 2016 memoir, No One’s Pet, and in a 2021 documentary titled Look Away, which focuses on women who have been sexually abused in the music industry.

It’s important to note that Kennedy has publicly come forward with her allegations, and The Associated Press typically does not name individuals who have been sexually abused unless they choose to share their story.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, there are resources available for support:

• Rape Crisis: Services for women and girls who have been raped or experienced sexual violence – 0808 802 9999
• Survivors UK: Support for men and boys – 0203 598 3898