Kruspe at a Rammstein show in 2017.
Photo: Avalon/PYMCA/Universal Images Gr, Avalon. All rights reserved.
“In dubio pro reo” – so in case of doubt for the accused: This is how Rammstein guitarist Richard Z. Kruspe commented in an interview with the “star‘ in 2021 the abuse allegations against Marilyn Manson at the time.
When asked if he would work with Manson again despite the allegations at the time, Kruspe replied: “In dubio pro reo. In principle, however, I am very much against power manipulation of any kind, whether as a musician, TV producer, photographer or parent. I hate the use of power over others. I would not work with Mr. Manson again, not because of these allegations, but because I have worked with him before.”
Ashley Morgan Smithline, model, entertainer and ex-partner of Manson, sued the musician at the time on charges including sexual assault, sexual violence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and unlawful imprisonment. A court dismissed the lawsuit in 2023 — albeit for missing a deadline. It wasn’t the first abuse allegation against Manson — nor was it the last time he made similar headlines: In early 2023, he was sued again for allegedly sexually abusing an underage girl on multiple occasions in the 1990s.
Kruspe: Alleged argument with Lindemann about sex
After the abuse scandal surrounding Rammstein singer Till Lindemann initially only focused on the behavior of the front man, allegations against Kruspe have also been raised since last week. According to a report by “Spiegel”, there was an explosive incident between Lindemann and Kruspe in 2019 at an “after-after show party”.
The two are said to have yelled at each other because they had allegedly chosen the same woman for sex – a woman named “Sophie W.” reported this to the “Spiegel”. According to the report, the woman seemed distraught because of this situation, the outcome is not yet known. Sophie W. (who claims to have attended Rammstein after-parties several times and also allegedly had sex with Lindemann) also claims that those women who stay behind at Rammstein after-show parties are mostly targeted by crew members — this is referred to as “fucking leftovers.” The walk from the after-show party to the after-after-show party is internally called a “bitch parade” by Rammstein. In a statement, the band denied all allegations of abusive behavior.