150 protesters demonstrated outside a Bern stadium, attempting to drown out thousands of RAMMSTEIN fans entering the venue despite a recent wave of sexual assault allegations.
Protesters carried banners with messages like “Stop rape culture” and “I believe her” while fans responded with police officers dividing the two groups.
The sold-out concerts were among the first RAMMSTEIN shows since lead singer Till Lindemann was investigated in Berlin for sexual assault allegations. Another concert was scheduled for Sunday.
As previously reported, RAMMSTEIN frontman Till Lindemann is being investigated for sexual assault by Berlin prosecutors. The investigation was initiated after multiple women alleged that they were drugged and engaged in sexual activity at Rammstein’s after-show parties.
“Preliminary proceedings have been initiated against Till Lindemann, on allegations relating to sexual offences and the distribution of narcotics,” a spokeswoman for the Berlin public prosecution’s office said in a statement.
According to the AFP news agency, the investigation into Till Lindemann‘s alleged sexual assault is being carried out by Berlin prosecutors, who initiated it themselves and also based it on several criminal complaints filed by third parties who were not directly involved in the incidents.
The recent scandal involving RAMMSTEIN emerged when accusations of abuse were leveled against Till Lindemann. Young female fans claimed that they were handpicked by a Russian “casting director” named Alena Makeeva to attend exclusive parties with the band, particularly Lindemann. These women alleged that they were groomed and sexually assaulted by Lindemann at these events, with some also accusing him of drugging their drinks.
Following the allegations against Lindemann, the band’s four-night residency at Munich’s Olympic Stadium was marred by controversy. As a result, concert promoters canceled after-parties and a “row zero” experience, while RAMMSTEIN tightened security measures. German politicians demanded better protection for fans, particularly women, in the wake of the allegations.
