'I would not stand by while it happened': Joan Jett refutes former bandmate's claim that she watched as the then-16-year-old was raped by their manager in 1976
- Bassist Jackie Fuchs claims she was raped by band manager Kim Fowley
- She alleges assault took place in packed room with many witnesses
- But bandmates Currie and Jett both deny seeing sexual assault
- Kim Fowley was never charged with sexual assault and died in January
Rock star Joan Jett has denied knowing her Runaways bandmate was raped by manager Kim Fowley 40 years ago.
The rhythm guitarist spoke out on Facebook on Friday night after former bassist Jackie Fuchs claimed she was attacked at 16 while Jett was present.
'Anyone who truly knows me understands that if I was aware of a friend or bandmate being violated, I would not stand by while it happened,' Jett wrote.
Band: The original line-up of the Runaways included Cherie Currie and Joan Jett who both deny they saw Jackie Fuchs being attacked
'For a group of young teenagers thrust into '70s rock stardom there were relationships that were bizarre, but I was not aware of this incident. Obviously Jackie's story is extremely upsetting and although we haven't spoken in decades, I wish her peace and healing.'
Fuchs, who played bass for the Runaways from 1975 to 1977 under the name of Jackie Fox, told the Huffington Post that she was drugged at a New Year's Eve party during her time with the band, and was raped by the music industry heavyweight.
She said she was given the sedative Quaalude and was brutally violated by Fowley as she slipped in and out of consciousness.
Her claims were corroborated by several witnesses, including former Runaway lyricist Kari Krome.
Describing the alleged assault, Fuch said she could not move or speak but remembers looking up and seeing Jett and Currie staring at her.
She said she decided to break her four decades of silence after seeing other high-profile sexual assaults made public including claims against Bill Cosby.
Fuchs' had also claimed lead singer Cherie Currie witnessed the alleged attack in a California hotel room, something she also denied.
Rocking: The Runaways perform on stage in Los Angeles in 1976. Left to right Jackie Fox, Joan Jett, Cherie Currie and Lita Ford
Denails: Lita Ford, Cherrie Currie, Sandy West, Joan Jett and Jackie Fox of The Runaways in London. Currie and Jett deny seeing attack on bandmate Jackie Fuchs
'All I can say is if Joan, Sandy and I saw an unconscious girl being brutally raped in front of us, we would have hit him over the head with a chair.'
She followed it up with another post stating: 'I have been accused of a crime. Of looking into the dead yet pleading eyes of a girl, unable to move while she was brutally raped and doing nothing.
'I have never been one to deny my mistakes in life and I wouldn’t start now. If I were guilty, I would admit it.'
Since sharing her story, Fuche said she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received.
'I have been so incredibly moved over the last few days by the outpouring of love and support that has followed the story of my rape on New Year’s Eve 1975,' she wrote on Facebook.
She goes on: 'I know some people watching the online drama unfold have been discouraged by the lack of support I’ve received from my former bandmates. To which I can only say that I hope you never have to walk in their shoes.
'My rape was traumatic for everyone, not just me, and everyone deals with trauma in their own way and time.'
Kathy Valentine, who was formerly in the all-female band the Go-Go's, praised her for 'speaking out'.
Fowley, who died earlier this year aged 75, was accused of assault by numerous women, many who claimed to be in their teens at the time.
He denied ever sleeping with or sexually assaulting any members of the band and was never charged over any of the alleged assaults.
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