Ken Stringfellow of the Posies | Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Investigation

Multiple women have come forward in a recent media report accusing Ken Stringfellow, of the Posies and REM, of sexual misconduct and forced sex. Other women allege that he bit them in an “unwelcome” way and was “controlling.” Bandmates have reported to multiple outlets that they believe the women’s allegations and have told Stringfellow they refuse to work with him anymore.

Experienced abuse by Ken Stringfellow?

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Ken Stringfellow accused of sexual assault, forced sex by multiple women

Content warning: sexual abuse

 

According to KUOW, three women have come forward to share stories of forced sex and abuse by Stringfellow dating back to 2015. Each woman says they found him charismatic and compelling at first, but they’ve decided to come forward to help others recognize abuse in their own relationships.

One woman says in 2015, she kept telling Stringfellow she couldn’t have sex because of a recent surgery, but he forced himself on her in a men’s bathroom in San Francisco. She also reports he bit her vagina, and it hurt badly. When they messaged each other on Facebook a few days later, KUOW reports she told him, “I was outmatched physically and deceived emotionally.” Stringfellow seemed to acknowledge what happened, reportedly saying in messages seen by KUOW: “I am definitely sorry about it.”

KUOW reports it took her three weeks before she “realized the trauma [she] had experienced” and could finally say her encounter with Stringfellow was not consensual. “It’s very difficult to gain control over a man 5’11” who is incredibly drunk,” she told her doctor.

Another woman says when she first met Stringfellow, they recorded music and toured together. But after several years, he reportedly became abusive. KUOW says she tried to end the relationship several times, but once, Stringfellow threatened to commit suicide if she stopped responding to his messages. When she ended it for good in 2017, KUOW reports Stringfellow continued to harrass her with multiple messages. In a continued attempt to control the narrative, multiple sources confirmed to KUOW that Stringfellow portrayed the woman to others in his life as a “vindicative ex” who “threatened to make grim public allegations against him after they’d split.”

To try to stop his harassment and keep a low profile, the woman made the difficult decision to stop playing music.

A third woman says she was “unsettled” in 2009 when she spoke with Stringfellow after a Posies show and he suggested she come back to his hotel. When she went to another Posies show years later in 2018, he messaged her on Facebook the next day, and they started hooking up. Unfortunately, she reported experiencing abuse by Stringfellow including hard biting on her arm while she was driving and unwanted anal sex while she was asleep.

KUOW says they also spoke with seven women who said they didn’t experience abuse when they were intimate with Ken Stringfellow. However, four of these women, including his ex-wife Kim Warnick, also said he bit them in an “unwelcome” way and was “controlling.” One woman said Stringfellow often complained to her ironically that “the Me Too era was a scary time to be a man.”

Resources if you’ve been sexually assaulted

Please know that you’re not alone. There are people ready to listen and help.

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):

  • 1 800 656 HOPE (4673)

This free, confidential hotline connects you to a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

We continue to investigate potential claims for sexual assault and harassment.  If you are seeking legal help, or just want to get more information, please click below to speak to one of our attorneys confidentially.


Our promise to sexual assault survivors everywhere

Gibbs Law Group’s award-winning sexual assault attorneys represent survivors across the country. Our team is committed to empowering sexual assault survivors to regain control, achieve justice and begin to heal. We recently obtained a $73 million settlement on behalf of former patients of UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps, who was accused of sexual abuse and misconduct.

  • We believe you can heal. The journey may look different for everyone. But know this: what happened to you wasn’t your fault, and you aren’t alone.
  • We believe in your power.   Sexual assault can be personal and traumatic, and we honor the courage and strength it takes to share your story.  If you have questions, feel ready to pursue a legal claim, or just need someone to talk to about your experience, you can confide in our team of experienced professionals.
  • You’re in control. As your advocates, we’re dedicated to helping you gain your power back. You can choose to work with female or male attorneys and staff. Whether you prefer phone calls, videoconferencing or texting, we can communicate in a way that’s comfortable for you. You are in control and you decide what you want to do.
  • We’re with you, every step of the way. We’ll keep you updated on your case—in non-lawyer terms.  We will explain the legal process and next steps in a clear way you can understand.  Our client-centered approach is rooted in a sincere focus on our clients’ wellbeing and intended to empower clients’ pursuit of justice.
  • Our results are unmatched. Our award-winning lawyers take on some of the biggest, most powerful entities across the country—and win.  We have the resources, experience and skill to fight for you and other survivors of sexual assault. Our attorneys have received numerous honors for their work, including “Top Women Lawyers in California,” “Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California,” “Consumer Protection MVP,” “Best Lawyers in America,” and “Class Action Practice Group of the Year.”
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Karen Barth Menzies is a winning advocate for sexual assault survivors

Karen is a partner in our sexual assault practice group. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Southern California for the last fifteen years. She is willing to listen to your story, without judgment. She’s on your side.

Karen has over two decades of litigation experience in some of the nation’s most complex cases, and she is particularly focused on sexual abuse claims and women’s health issues.

Karen believes in advocating for the victims who’ve been taken advantage of. She currently represents former members of Boy Scouts of America in claims of sexual abuse by scoutmasters, troop leaders and other adults.  She also represents survivors who experienced Catholic Clergy sexual abuse in claims against the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which is currently in a legal restructuring process.

Feedback from Karen’s Clients

“Gibbs Law Group has provided a foundation of safety, trauma-informed support and understanding as I seek to hold my abuser accountable. Working with Karen and Jeff has empowered other survivors and I to stand up against the pervasive rape culture of the music industry.” —Michaela H.

Our Sexual Assault Attorneys

Karen Menzies

Karen has extensive experience in federal and state mass tort litigation. She has been appointed by the courts to serve in many leadership positions.

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Eileen Epstein Carney

Eileen represents investors and consumers harmed by financial fraud and other corporate misconduct. She also executes on the firm's strategic vision.

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Jeff Kosbie

Jeff represents workers and consumers in complex class actions involving data breaches and privacy, employment law, and other corporate misconduct.

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