Axl Rose: Woman accuses Guns N' Roses frontman of rape

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Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose (at a concert in June)

Photo: Yui Mok / dpa

A woman is suing Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose over allegations of rape. Sheila Kennedy accuses the rock star of abusing her in a New York hotel in 1989. "Rose's sexual abuse of Kennedy had a lifelong emotional, physical, psychological, and financial impact on Kennedy's life," the civil lawsuit states. The woman is demanding compensation for pain and suffering and damages in an undisclosed amount.

Rose said through his attorney, Alan S. Gutman, "This incident never happened." Accordingly, Rose could not remember ever having met or spoken to the applicant. The musician is confident that the case will be resolved in his favor.

According to the complaint, Rose and Kennedy met in February 1989 at a nightclub in New York. The singer of the rock band Guns N' Roses is said to have then taken the former "Penthouse" model to a party in his hotel suite, where he offered his guests "cocaine, champagne and alcohol". Rose is said to have then kicked out most of the guests and first had sex with another woman before he reportedly assaulted Kennedy.

The now 61-year-old threw Kennedy on the floor, grabbed him by the hair and "dragged him like a caveman" into his bedroom, according to the lawsuit. There, Rose tied her hands behind her back and anally penetrated her.

Law expires this week

As a result of the attack, she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, according to the complaint. She also suffered financial losses because she avoided nightclubs and places where she could meet Rose or listen to his music. Social contacts were important for her career.

Kennedy had previously made allegations against Rose in her 2016 memoir, and in the documentary "Look Away" about sexual abuse in the rock music industry.

The lawsuit against Rose was filed under a temporary New York law. The so-called Adult Survivors Act allows victims to sue even if the alleged crime occurred decades ago. The law, which has been in force for a year, expires this Thursday.

max/AFP/AP