German police launch sex offence investigation into Rammstein's Till Lindemann
They have released a statement
Police in Germany have launched an investigation into Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann following allegations of sexual offences.
A spokeswoman for the Berlin public prosecution's office said in a statement: "Preliminary proceedings have been initiated against Till Lindemann on allegations relating to sexual offences and the distribution of narcotics."
According to Deutsche Welle, Berlin prosecutors opened the investigation on their own initiative as well as "on the basis of several criminal complaints filed by third parties” - referring to people not directly involved in the alleged incidents
60-year-old Till Lindemann’s lawyers have categorically denied the allegations and called them "without exception untrue."
One fan, Shelby Lynn from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, was interview by the BBC earlier this month and claimed she had her drink spiked and had been "groomed for sex" at Rammstein’s show in Lithuania in May.
24-year-old Lynn detailed her claims on Twitter in the aftermath of the concert and alleged there was an "organised system of funnelling girls" at the Rammstein show. She alleged she was ushered into a small room but exited when Till Lindemann arrived as she was concerned it was “a sex thing.”
Lynn’s claims have sparked allegations from others.
According to the BBC, a spokesman for Rammstein said they were conducting an internal investigation into the claims.
Rammstein posted a statement on Instagram on 3rd June about the allegations, writing: “The posts of the last few days have caused irritations and questions to the public and especially our fans. The accusations have hit us all very hard and we take them extremely seriously.
“To our fans, we say: it's important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at our shows - on and off stage.
“We condemn any kind of trespassing and ask you: do not participate in public prejudice of any kind against those who made the allegations. They are entitled to their way they see things.
“But we, the band, also have a right - namely not to be prejudiced.”
Rammstein are currently touring Europe on their Stadium Tour, with the next show scheduled for Bern’s Stadion Wankdorf on Saturday night (17th June).
Till Lindemann is due to play a solo show at London's Wembley Arena on Tuesday 12th December.