Axl Rose Faces Historic Assault Allegations: Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose is accused of a 1989 sexual assault. Sheila Kennedy, a former Penthouse magazine model, sued Rose in New York on Wednesday for battery, assault, gender-motivated violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Kennedy claims he used his celebrity and position to assault Rose in a New York City hotel room at the height of her economic popularity. The lawsuit details a disturbing encounter in which Rose reportedly knocked Kennedy to the floor, dragged her by the hair, and proceeded with a sexual assault while in a volatile rage.
The complaint emphasizes that Kennedy did not consent and felt overpowered, opting to lie in bed and wait for the assault to conclude. The aftermath of the alleged incident has left Kennedy with severe emotional, physical, financial, and psychological distress, according to the legal filing.
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In response to the lawsuit, Axl Rose, now 61, vehemently denies the allegations, asserting that the incident never happened. His attorney, Alan S. Gutman, released a statement pointing out the timing of the lawsuit, filed just before the New York State filing deadline. The statement highlights Rose’s lack of recollection of meeting or speaking to the plaintiff, suggesting that the claims are fictional.
Kennedy, who documented the charges in her 2016 memoir “No One’s Pet,” is suing for an unspecified amount. New York’s Adult Survivors Act allows adult survivors of sexual assault to sue their perpetrators after the statute of limitations has elapsed. This law, in effect from late November 2022, gives survivors one year to sue, expiring on November 24.
Legal experts anticipate that Sheila Kennedy’s decision to file this suit may have broader implications for the music industry, shedding light on systemic issues of violence and sexual misconduct. Kennedy’s bravery is seen as a potential catalyst for other victims to come forward, challenging a culture of silence and complicity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is Axl Rose’s wife now?
William Bruce Rose Jr., famously known as Axl Rose, was born in Lafayette, Indiana. His mother, Sharon Elizabeth (née Lintner), was only 16 years old and still in high school when she gave birth to him. His father, William Bruce Rose, was 20 years old at the time. Axl Rose was the oldest child in the family.
What is Axl Rose’s real name?
William Bruce Bailey’s mother remarried to Stephen L. Bailey, resulting in a name change for William. He has a sister named Amy and a half-brother named Stuart. William was under the impression that Bailey was his biological father until he reached the age of 17.