Warning: This article discusses allegations of sexual assault.
In a shocking revelation, Jane Wiedlin, the talented guitarist from the iconic Los Angeles rock group, the Go Go’s, has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against radio DJ and former club owner, Rodney Bingenheimer. Wiedlin, in a recent Rolling Stone report, along with the testimonies of four other women, recounts a distressing incident from her teenage years. She alleges that when she was around 15 years old and Bingenheimer was approximately 27, he subjected her to a traumatic experience at his Los Angeles club, Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco.
According to Wiedlin, Bingenheimer isolated her in a back room of the club and engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior, culminating in a deeply distressing encounter where he rubbed his crotch against hers until ejaculating. Wiedlin described feeling frozen and unable to react at the time. She didn’t say anything or attempt to stop him. It’s important to note that Bingenheimer did not respond to Rolling Stone’s request for comment on these allegations.
This distressing revelation comes in the wake of similar accounts from other women who have spoken out about their own experiences with Bingenheimer. The article mentions a lawsuit filed late last year, which is still ongoing, where Kari Krome of the Runaways accused both Bingenheimer and the late Kim Fowley of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. One of the women mentioned in the recent Rolling Stone article had filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department in 2018, although it did not result in charges being filed.
Jane Wiedlin’s decision to come forward with her story is motivated, in part, by a desire to show solidarity with Kari Krome and demonstrate that she is not alone in her experiences.
Rodney Bingenheimer, an influential figure in the rock music scene, hosted a radio show on KROQ from 1976 to 2017 and continues to host a weekly radio show on SiriusXM’s Underground Garage channel. Wiedlin expressed mixed feelings about Bingenheimer’s role as an early supporter of the Go-Go’s, stating, “The guy’s a monster, but then he also helped us.” She went on to emphasize the complexity of her emotions, saying, “I should have said no that night, but I didn’t. It wasn’t anything I asked for, but at the same time, I wanted to be a sexy young adult or whatever. It’s very tangled in my mind. At this stage, I think, ‘F*** that guy.’ That was wrong. Even if I had asked him to do something, which I didn’t, it wouldn’t have been right. It was illegal and immoral.”
This painful revelation highlights the importance of speaking out against sexual assault and supporting survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, please seek help and support from organizations like RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) or the Crisis Text Line (Text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about #MeToo
Q: Who is Jane Wiedlin, and what allegations has she made?
A: Jane Wiedlin is the guitarist of the iconic rock group the Go Go’s. She has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Rodney Bingenheimer, a radio DJ and former club owner. She claims that when she was 15 and he was 27, Bingenheimer sexually assaulted her at his Los Angeles club.
Q: What other women have spoken out about similar experiences with Rodney Bingenheimer?
A: Several other women have shared their stories, including Kari Krome, a member of the Runaways. She filed a lawsuit accusing Bingenheimer and the late Kim Fowley of sexual assault when she was a teenager. Additionally, another woman mentioned in the Rolling Stone article filed a police report in 2018, although no charges were filed.
Q: Why did Jane Wiedlin decide to share her story?
A: Jane Wiedlin decided to come forward to show solidarity with Kari Krome and to raise awareness about the issue of sexual assault. She wants to support survivors and emphasize that such behavior is wrong, regardless of the circumstances.
Q: What is the significance of Rodney Bingenheimer in the music industry?
A: Rodney Bingenheimer is an influential figure in the rock music scene. He hosted a radio show on KROQ for several decades and continues to host a weekly show on SiriusXM. However, Wiedlin expressed mixed feelings about his role as an early supporter of the Go-Go’s due to the allegations against him.
Q: Where can survivors of sexual assault seek help and support?
A: Survivors of sexual assault can seek help and support from organizations like RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and the Crisis Text Line (Text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741). These organizations provide resources and assistance to survivors in need.
More about #MeToo
- Rolling Stone Article: The original Rolling Stone article where Jane Wiedlin’s allegations against Rodney Bingenheimer are detailed.
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: The official website of the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline, providing support and resources for survivors.
- Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line website, offering crisis intervention services via text messaging for those in need of support.
- MeToo Movement: Information about the #MeToo movement, which aims to raise awareness about sexual harassment and assault and provide support to survivors.
