Yungblud, the English rock musician known for his advocacy, recently addressed public criticism following the surfacing of a photo showing him with Till Lindemann, frontman of the band Rammstein. Lindemann has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. Yungblud initially gained attention earlier this month for speaking out in support of Iranian women’s rights.
Acknowledging the Backlash
Yungblud responded to the criticism in an audio statement posted to his Instagram account. He stated, “I had no idea — obviously at the minute I’m meeting lots of people every day without fully knowing who they are or what they’re about. And I can assure you, if I knew about any allegations, it would have been a completely different story. You all know what I stand for, always. I’ll be more aware of it in the future.”
Allegations Against Lindemann
The allegations against Lindemann center around an incident at a concert pre-party in Vilnius, Lithuania, where a fan claims her drink was spiked. She alleges she was invited to the afterparty after being selected for a front-row position at the show, and that Lindemann reacted with anger when she refused sexual advances. Following this initial accusation, other women came forward with similar accounts.
Collaborations and Further Allegations
Yungblud has also been collaborating with the band Aerosmith and its frontman, Steven Tyler. Tyler is currently facing multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault dating back to the 1970s. Tyler has denied these allegations. One lawsuit was dismissed, while a trial related to a separate case involving a minor has been postponed to this year. Yungblud and Aerosmith released a collaborative EP, One More Time, in November.
What Could Happen Next
It is possible Yungblud will face continued scrutiny regarding his associations. He may choose to be more selective about public appearances and collaborations in the future. The postponed trial involving Steven Tyler could draw further attention to the allegations against him, potentially impacting Yungblud’s association with Aerosmith. Further allegations against public figures could also influence how artists approach collaborations and public statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Yungblud say about the photo with Till Lindemann?
Yungblud stated he “had no idea” about the allegations against Lindemann at the time the photo was taken and that if he had known, he would have reacted differently.
Where did the allegations against Till Lindemann originate?
The allegations originated with a woman who claimed her drink was spiked at a Rammstein concert pre-party in Vilnius, Lithuania, and that Lindemann reacted negatively when she refused his advances. Other women subsequently came forward with similar stories.
What is the status of the lawsuits against Steven Tyler?
Steven Tyler has been sued by several women for sexual assault allegedly occurring in the 1970s. One lawsuit was dismissed, and a trial for another lawsuit – involving a minor – has been postponed to this year.
How do artists balance creative collaboration with ethical considerations when faced with allegations against their collaborators?
