As previously reported, Def Leppard’s Rick Allen was recently assaulted outside of a Four Seasons hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Now, the drummer has officially commented on the incident, while also thanking fans for their support.
Allen issued the following statement:
“Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support. Your love and prayers are truly helping. My wife Lauren was thankfully not with me at the time of the incident. We are together now, and working on recovering in a safe space.
We are focusing on healing for everyone involved. We ask you to join us in our effort to move from confusion and shock to compassion and empathy. We understand this act of violence can be triggering for so many people.
To all of the fans, veterans, and first responders in our global community we are thinking of you all. Together with love, we can all get through these difficult times.
Rick Allen & Lauren Monroe”
Allen was attacked by 19-year-old Max Edward Hartley, who rushed at him from behind a pillar. The one-armed drummer was reportedly smoking a cigarette when he was hit to the ground. His head was injured after smacking the floor.
A woman tried to help Allen, but she was attacked as well. She reportedly got knocked to the ground, while the defendant continued to hit her. She then tried to get back to the hotel, but was grabbed by her hair and dragged outside.
After the incident, Hartley ended up fleeing the scene. He was then arrested at another hotel where he was smashing car windows. He has since been charged with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal mischief, and abusing an elderly or disabled adult.
Metal Anarchy 
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