Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen has said he wants to focus on the positive, a week after he was allegedly assaulted by a teenager vacationing in Florida.
in a Instagram post shared on Sunday, Allen addressed his fans for their “overwhelming support” amid news of the incident. The photo, also shared by the musician’s wife, Lauren Monroe, was a photo of Allen standing in front of a group of trees.
“Your love and prayers are really helping,” Allen wrote.
The rocker, who plays the drums with one arm after losing the other in a car accident on New Year’s Eve in 1984, said his wife was not with him when he was attacked.
According to a Fort Lauderdale police report reviewed by The Times, Allen was allegedly attacked by Max Edward Hartley, a 19-year-old Ohio resident, on March 13.
Hartley was hiding behind a pillar before sprinting towards the 59-year-old drummer, police say. Allen was standing near the valet area of the Four Seasons Hotel, smoking a cigarette, when he was struck. He was tackled to the ground and his head struck the concrete, “causing injuries,” according to the police report.
Hartley also allegedly attacked a woman who tried to help the musician. He was charged with four counts of criminal mischief, one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of aggravated assault, according to the report.
Just one day before the assault, Def Leppard played a show in Hollywood, Fla. Allen had also made an appearance at a local gallery showing his art.
Allen said in his statement Sunday that he is now “working to recover in a safe space” and that he is “focusing on the healing of all involved.”
“We ask that you join us in our effort to move from confusion and shock to compassion and empathy,” he continued. “We understand that this act of violence can be triggering for so many people. To all the fans, veterans and first responders in our global community, we are thinking of all of you.”
He added: “Together with love, we can all get through these difficult times.”
Times Staff Writer Emily St. Martin contributed to this report.
