Universal Music suspends Rammstein while German police investigate alleged sexual assault

German police have started to investigate Rammstein‘s frontman Till Lindemann over accusations of sexual assault.

According to a spokesperson for the Berlin public prosecutor’s office:

Preliminary proceedings have been initiated against Till Lindemann on allegations relating to sexual offenses and the distribution of narcotics … on the basis of several criminal complaints filed by third parties.

Lindemann has recently lost his book deal, after the book’s publisher saw its use in a pornographic film. Rumors surrounding his sexual misconduct had been circulating on social networks and German media outlets for about to two weeks before Berlin authorities decided to take legal action.

Lindemann’s suspected criminal activities include drugging and sexually assaulting women. There are also claims that Lindemann had an organized system in place so as to lure female fans into taking part in sexual activities before, during, and after Rammstein‘s performances. Lindemann’s lawyers have yet to comment on the accusations, although they issued a statement last week denying that their client had drugged women, and they warned they would pursue legal action against anyone publishing such claims.

As a consequence of this situation, Rammstein‘s record label, Universal Music, suspended all of their activities around the band while the investigations are ongoing. There is yet no knowledge of how this will affect the band’s current 35-date European tour.

The label issued a statement:

The accusations against Till Lindemann have shocked us and we have the greatest respect for the women who have spoken out so courageously in public in this case.

We have suspended marketing and promotional activities for the band’s recordings until further notice.