Berlin police have opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault at Berghain, the city’s world-renowned nightclub, after an attendee reported being raped during a late-night event earlier this month.
The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday, March 2nd, during one of Berghain’s famed “Klubnacht” parties, according to reporting by Berliner Zeitung. The assault is said to have taken place in the restrooms of Panorama Bar, one of the club’s two main dancefloors.
The case came to public attention last week after posts surfaced in an online Reddit forum dedicated to Berghain’s tight-knit community of electronic music enthusiasts. In the posts, users circulated details of the alleged incident and reported that police had been contacted.
Berlin police have since confirmed that the matter is under active investigation.
“I can confirm that a specialist department for sexual offenses within the State Criminal Police Office is conducting an investigation into a matter that matches your inquiry,” a police spokesperson told Berliner Zeitung. Authorities declined to release further details, citing Germany’s strict privacy and data protection laws.
Berghain, housed in a former power plant in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, has long been celebrated for its nonconformist ethos and marathon dance parties. The venue is also known for maintaining a notoriously selective door policy and for fostering a culture where personal freedom is fiercely protected.
In recent years, as Berlin’s storied club scene has confronted an uncertain future, the city has faced growing scrutiny over safety in clubs and public spaces. The latest allegation has prompted calls among some nightlife advocates for more robust measures to protect attendees.
The investigation into the incident at Berghain remains ongoing.
