For the first time, a Rammstein member speaks out about the accusations against frontman Till Lindemann. Drummer Christoph Schneider has published a long statement on Instagram.
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- Rammstein drummer Christoph Schneider comments on the abuse allegations against Till Lindemann on Instagram.
- The drummer is "in shock", but does not believe that anything criminally relevant has happened.
- Christoph Schneider emphasizes that Rammstein is standing together - even though Till Lindemann has distanced himself from the band in recent years.
Serious allegations have been made against Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann in recent weeks. Sexual favors are said to have taken place through abuse of power and knockout drops.
Investigation proceedings have been initiated against the singer following several criminal complaints.
Now a member of the band is speaking out for the first time. Drummer Christoph Schneider uses his Instagram channel for a long written statement. These are his personal emotions and thoughts.
Christoph Schneider does not believe that anything illegal happened
"The accusations of the last few weeks have deeply shaken us as a band and me as a person (...). I feel shocked by the things that have been shared and printed on social media and in the press about our singer."
He continues: "No, I don't think anything criminally relevant (such as the use of knockout drops) has happened. No. I don't think anything illegal was going on (...)."
However, Christoph Schneider emphasizes: "And yet things have apparently happened that - even if legally okay - I personally don't think are okay (...). Till has distanced himself from us in recent years and created his own bubble (...). That made me sad, definitely."
That's why the official after-show parties shouldn't be confused with Till's own parties.
Rammstein drummer feels sympathy
The wishes and expectations of the women at these parties, who have now come forward, "were probably not fulfilled. According to their statements, they felt uncomfortable, on the verge of a situation they could no longer control." Schneider is sorry about this and feels sympathy.
He then describes how there are always snacks, medical care and fresh drinks for everyone in the backstage area - and that anyone can leave at any time. "We have the greatest fans in the world and everyone deserves to be treated with respect."
Rammstein "stands together"
In conclusion, he adds: "But I don't want this whole public dispute about our band to feed the extremes: neither the social media beast that has not yet been tamed by our society, nor paternalistic tendencies to deny women in their mid-20s the ability to make self-determined decisions about their sexuality, and certainly not victim blaming, so that people still dare to talk about it (...)."
He would like to see "calm, level-headed reflection and processing, also in our band." The Rammstein drummer emphasizes: "We stand together."
Here is the full statement on Instagram:
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