Content Warning: This article includes explicit details of an alleged sexual assault.
Justin Sane, a member of Anti-Flag, faces legal action over claims of raping a fan in 2010. Kristina Sarhadi alleges the musician “choked her, coerced her into oral sex, and sexually assaulted her” at a motel when she was 21. The lawsuit was filed on November 23 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, seeking a jury trial.
Sarhadi’s statement partly states, “Justin Geever exploited his status as a renowned ‘punk rockstar’ to manipulate and deceive young women into trusting him. Despite his public messages of defending women and confronting abusers, it seems he was concealing a dangerous need for dominance and control, inflicting pain on numerous women who felt powerless to come forward until now. My aim today is to inspire his victims, and those of other abusers in the music world, to regain hope. The losses inflicted by sexual predators are irreparable, but we refuse to remain the silent sufferers they expect us to be.”
Sarhadi, a holistic therapist and health coach from New York, first accused Sane, leading to the disbanding of Anti-Flag. The legal action implicates not just Justin Sane, real name Justin Geever, but also includes Hardwork Distribution, Inc., the distributing entity of Anti-Flag’s A-F Records, and a John Doe. (Newsound has reached out to former Anti-Flag members for comments and to clarify their involvement with Hardwork.) The claim suggests that Hardwork and the John Doe “should have been aware” of Justin Sane’s “habitual and frequent sexual misconduct with young women and minors across America,” especially in motels, and were responsible for their safety.
The lawsuit details how Sarhadi met Justin Sane following an Anti-Flag concert in 2010. She claims that while she engaged in conversation with him, she did not return his flirtatious behavior, emphasizing her commitment to her relationship. He purportedly invited her to a film festival the next week, which she accepted, trusting his proclaimed feminist beliefs. She felt further reassured knowing he was in a serious relationship.
Sarhadi recounts that after Sane’s performance at the festival, he invited her to an afterparty. During the ride, she reminded him of her long-term relationship. After the party, the lawsuit alleges he asked her to his motel room to preview a new song. She agreed, influenced by his stories of personal struggles, including his nephew’s death and allegations of his partner’s infidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Justin Sane lawsuit
Who is being sued in the Justin Sane case?
Justin Sane, lead singer of the punk band Anti-Flag, is being sued by Kristina Sarhadi, who accuses him of sexual assault in 2010. The lawsuit also implicates Hardwork Distribution, Inc., a branch of Anti-Flag’s A-F Records, and an unnamed individual.
What are the allegations against Justin Sane?
Kristina Sarhadi alleges that Justin Sane choked her, forced her into oral sex, and raped her at a motel when she was 21. The incident is said to have occurred after an Anti-Flag concert in 2010.
Under what law was the lawsuit against Justin Sane filed?
The lawsuit against Justin Sane was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. This law allows survivors of sexual assault to file a lawsuit within a specific time frame, even if the assault occurred years earlier.
How did Kristina Sarhadi meet Justin Sane?
Kristina Sarhadi met Justin Sane after an Anti-Flag concert in 2010. According to the lawsuit, Sane invited her to a film festival the following week, and she agreed, trusting his feminist stance and reassured by his relationship status.
What does Kristina Sarhadi hope to achieve with the lawsuit?
Kristina Sarhadi hopes to encourage other survivors of Justin Sane and other predators in the music industry to come forward. She aims to bring awareness to the issue of sexual predators in the music world and inspire hope in other survivors.
More about Justin Sane lawsuit
- New York’s Adult Survivors Act
- Anti-Flag Band History
- Understanding Sexual Assault Lawsuits
- Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault
- The Music Industry and Sexual Misconduct
5 comments
man this is heavy stuff, really puts a dark cloud over Anti-Flags whole message, right? thought they were about fighting the power, not abusing it…
Just read this… can’t believe it, Justin Sane was like a hero to me, this is just messed up if its true
why now tho? its been years, the timing seems odd, but then again, the law’s the law. gotta wait for the trial I guess…
Sarhadi’s bravery is something else, speaking up against a big name like Justin Sane takes guts, hope she finds justice
is it just me or is this kinda thing becoming way too common in the music industry? we gotta do better…