Accusations from Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s and other women depict a disturbing scenario of exploitation and mistreatment.
The #MeToo movement has cast a shadow over the once-glamorous ’70s Hollywood rock scene, revealing allegations of sexual assault against Rodney Bingenheimer, the renowned DJ, and proprietor of Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco.
Unveil Dark Side of ’70s Glam-Rock Scene
Long before co-founding the Go-Go’s, Wiedlin was a young music enthusiast drawn to the vibrant glam-rock scene of the ’70s. The epicenter of this scene was Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco, a club that not only hosted legendary artists like David Bowie and Marc Bolan but also became notorious for its underage female patrons.
The club’s dark side is now coming to light as survivors courageously share their experiences. Wiedlin recounts a traumatic incident at the hands of Bingenheimer when she was only 15, highlighting the power dynamics and exploitation prevalent in the scene.
The incident, shared in John Doe’s book in 2016 without naming Bingenheimer, gained clarity for Wiedlin during the #MeToo movement, prompting her to speak out about the alleged assault she faced.
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Jane Wiedlin’s Revelations Expose Exploitation in the ’70s Hollywood Rock Scene
Wiedlin’s revelation is not an isolated case. Four other women, who claim they were minors at the time, have come forward with similar stories. Kari Krome, a songwriter for the Runaways, previously sued Bingenheimer for sexual assault in the 1970s, adding weight to the accusations.
The lawsuits shed light on a disturbing pattern of grooming, exploitation, and abuse within the club scene. Through their legal actions, the survivors aim to correct the narrative surrounding Bingenheimer’s legacy.
They assert that his proximity to the rock scene was fueled by the abuse of young women, tarnishing the nostalgia associated with that era. Attorney Karen Menzies, representing Krome, emphasizes the victims’ struggle with the aftermath of childhood sexual assault and the need to set the record straight.
Rodney Bingenheimer, known as “the Mayor of the Sunset Strip,” enjoyed over 40 years of influence in the music industry.
His DJ career, including the iconic Rodney on the Roq show, propelled numerous artists to stardom. However, as these allegations surface, his legacy faces an unraveling that goes beyond his contributions to the music scene.
The accusations against Rodney Bingenheimer reveal a darker side of the rock and glam scene of the ’70s, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging and addressing abuse in all its forms.
As survivors find their voices, the industry is forced to confront the shadows that have long lingered over its glamorous past.
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