A New York judge dismissed negligence claims against former punk band Anti-Flag members in a lawsuit involving allegations against their former frontman, Justin Geever (aka Justin Sane). Kristina Sarhadi, who accused Geever of sexually assaulting her during a 2010 film festival, had named the other members of the band as defendants. The judge ruled that Sarhadi failed to demonstrate that the bandmates had any specific duty to her or played a role in the alleged assault.
The claims against Chris Barker, Pat Bollinger, Chris Head, and the band’s LLC, Hardwork Distribution, were dismissed on December 18, 2024, during the lawsuit’s preliminary stages. However, the court did not dismiss Sarhadi’s case against Geever, which includes allegations of sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress. Sarhadi’s allegations, first shared publicly in mid-2023, led to Anti-Flag’s immediate breakup. Geever denied the allegations at the time, while the other members issued statements asserting they were unaware of any inappropriate behavior. Subsequent reports uncovered additional accusations against Geever spanning decades.
The court’s dismissal focused on Sarhadi’s argument that the band members were liable because the band funded Geever’s hotel accommodations during the alleged incident. The judge found no evidence to support this claim, clarifying that even if Sarhadi’s allegations against Geever were proven, it would not create legal liability for his former bandmates.
Geever has not responded to the lawsuit and is alleged to have left the country. His lack of response may lead to a default judgment if no action is taken within the next 30 days. While the claims against the bandmates have been resolved, Sarhadi’s case against Geever continues under New York’s now-expired, as of 2022, Adult Survivors Act, which allowed survivors of sexual misconduct to file civil lawsuits regardless of when the incidents occurred.
