A 17-year-old girl reported being raped in a tent at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, according to her father, who said he received a call from police around midnight Tuesday. Two men, aged 24 and 25, have been charged in the case, though they have not pleaded guilty and were released pending investigation. The incident occurred during the festival, one of Europe’s largest music events, which draws over 130,000 attendees annually and is popular among Norwegians.
The girl’s father told a Danish outlet that she had not known the men beforehand and was “very drunk” when she was allegedly forced into a tent after meeting them at a campsite. He described her as “very drunk” and said she was “more or less forced” into the tent, where she felt trapped. The father also mentioned she was given a “very strong drink” and sent two text messages to a male friend saying “help,” which he did not receive.
Police obtained videos the girl had filmed of the men before the alleged rape and footage the men took of her inside the tent, despite her request to stop recording. During an interview, she reportedly hyperventilated and collapsed when asked to review the videos. A forensic examination revealed bite marks on her chest and bruises on her thighs and buttocks, according to her father.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about safety at large festivals, particularly for minors. Roskilde Festival, which attracts over 130,000 people annually, has no official data on past incidents of sexual assault, but the event’s scale and informal atmosphere can create risks. The involvement of drugs—both the victim’s consumption and the suspects’ alleged drug use—adds complexity to the investigation. The potential spread of videos taken during the assault also raises privacy and legal issues.
What may happen next
Police are continuing their investigation, which could involve reviewing additional evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining whether the two men face formal charges beyond the initial suspicion of rape. The victim’s mental health and legal options remain uncertain, as she has expressed fear that the videos may be shared. The case may also prompt discussions about security measures at large public events.
The victim’s father described her as “completely shattered” and expressed fear that the videos from the incident could be disseminated. The two suspects, who were reportedly under the influence of drugs and allegedly involved in drug sales, remain free while the investigation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age of the victim? The victim is 17 years old.
What charges have been filed against the men? The two men, aged 24 and 25, have been charged with rape but have not entered a plea.
How many people attend Roskilde Festival annually? The festival attracts over 130,000 attendees each year.
What steps should festival organizers take to prevent similar incidents in the future?