The Hamburg Regional Court has issued a formal ruling in favor of RAMMSTAIN frontman Till Lindemann, legally prohibiting Shelby Lynn from repeating specific allegations related to a concert in Vilnius on May 22, 2023. The decision marks a significant development in a controversy that has gripped international media and music fans for over two years.
The court’s ruling, dated October 24, 2023 (Ref. 324 O 76/23), restrains Lynn from asserting that her drink was drugged at a party organized by the band. Statements such as “I was spiked by RAMMSTEIN at pre-party” and “SOMEBODY on RAMMSTEIN spiked me and many other girls” were found to be untrue and lacking evidentiary support. The court emphasized that Lynn had not met the burden of proof required to substantiate her claims and that repeating such statements would unjustly harm the reputation of those accused.
The scandal began when Shelby Lynn, a fan attending the Vilnius concert, publicly alleged that she had been drugged and groomed for sex in connection with the event. While she later clarified that she had not been sexually assaulted, her posts on social media triggered a global backlash against Lindemann and the band.
The allegations prompted investigations by both Lindemann’s publisher and the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office. In August 2023, both inquiries were closed due to lack of evidence. Despite Lindemann’s consistent denial of the accusations and the absence of formal charges, the fallout was swift and severe — including the termination of his publishing contract.
The recent court decision reinforces Lindemann’s legal position and affirms that the allegations cannot be repeated publicly. The law firm Schertz Bergmann, representing Lindemann, stated that the ruling protects the rights of the accused and reflects the court’s commitment to factual accuracy and reputational fairness.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in Germany or Lithuania, and the legal proceedings appear to have reached their conclusion. Whether this ruling will shift public perception remains to be seen, but it marks a clear legal victory for Lindemann and RAMMSTEIN.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.