“It didn’t traumatize me.” Lenny Kravitz said he doesn't consider "unwanted sexual contact" violence in youth

“It didn’t traumatize me.” Lenny Kravitz said he doesn't consider "unwanted sexual contact" violence in youth

Lenny Kravitz, in an interview with Esquire, spoke about unwanted sexual contact with a stranger as a teenager, explained why he could not call it sexual violence and how it affected his relationships with women later.

Ленни Кравиц/Esquire

The musician already described this incident in his memoirs “Let Love Rule,” which was published in 2020, but did not go into details. The incident occurred in the 1970s or 1980s, when Kravitz was a teenager. His parents left him in the care of a young uncle - old enough, he said, to look after his nephew.

My uncle threw a party and several of his friends came to see him. And one of the women went into the room where Lenny was sleeping and allowed herself several touches of a sexual nature.

Ленни Кравиц/Esquire
Ленни Кравиц/Esquire

This incident forced the musician to treat women differently in the future. “I was not interested in somehow forcing women to have sex,” he said. “I was forced myself, and I didn’t like it.” In his memoirs, he also noted that "a lot of girls like bad boys," and if he had to act in a way to win someone over, he wouldn't be too upset.

He also spoke about his reaction to the incident. “It was an experience and a lesson,” he said. “I’m not saying that this moment did not deserve attention - perhaps someone will say that this should have been dealt with.”

According to him, he does not consider it sexual violence, and he does not consider himself a victim, since he did not have any traumatic experience.

"I wasn't injured. This is life, it was a life experience.”

Kravitz recently revealed the secret of his great shape. As it turned out, Re adheres to the "Mick Jagger diet" of sex, champagne and a good cigar.

More in the section Celebrity

Celebrity

Taylor Swift debuts 'The Fate of Ophelia' live at the Academy Museum Gala

The singer gave her chart-topping single its first live performance in a strapless pale blue Dior gown, alongside 'Love Story' and 'Blank Space.'

Celebrity

Miley Cyrus cries honoring Dolly Parton at Hollywood Bowl debut: 'We are eternal'

Miley Cyrus broke down during her Hollywood Bowl debut while remembering her late godmother Dolly Parton, who died in August at 80.

Celebrity

Taylor Swift's viral glitter freckles now exist for dogs — Khloé's pup is first

Fazit's glitter freckles made famous by Taylor Swift now come as pet patches, and Khloé Kardashian's dog Peppermint is the first famous pup to try them.

Celebrity

Selena Gomez wore two custom Prada gowns to host the Rare Impact Fund Gala

The Only Murders in the Building star, 34, opened in beaded cherry-red, then switched to a shimmering champagne fringe gown at her youth mental-health benefit.

Celebrity

Sydney Sweeney wears dark brown wig at Santa Monica Pier — fans ask 'Hannah Montana?'

Sydney Sweeney swapped her blond hair for a dark brown wig with bangs during a Santa Monica Pier outing — and some fans barely recognized her.

Celebrity

Joe Manganiello says Tom Cruise blocked his Reacher role over Sofía Vergara

The Magic Mike star claims his team suspected the Top Gun actor vetoed his Reacher casting due to Vergara's past with Cruise.

Celebrity

Jennifer Meyer married Geoff Ogunlesi in Hawaii — and ex Tobey Maguire officiated

Jennifer Meyer married billionaire Geoff Ogunlesi in Hawaii, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Hudson and Courteney Cox among guests and ex Tobey Maguire officiating.

Celebrity

Meghan Markle shares rare clip of Archie and Lilibet strolling after U.K. move

Meghan posted a Sunday Instagram Story of Prince Archie riding a skateboard and Princess Lilibet walking beside him on a tree-lined path.

Celebrity

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hold hands on NYC date night amid Ohio neighbor feud

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce held hands on a New York date night Friday as Ohio neighbors keep pressing complaints about their $5 million lakefront estate.

Celebrity

Meghan Markle's first U.K. appearance: afternoon tea with Malala Yousafzai

Meghan Markle reunited with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai over afternoon tea at Claridge's in London, her first public appearance since returning to the U.K.

Sport

Tennis insider rips Carlos Alcaraz as a 'spoiled brat' with a 'huge ego' over ATP gripe

Food

Butter-dipped ice cream and pierogi sandwiches: NHL arena food goes wild

Entertainment

Academy Museum Gala 2026: Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and a $14 million night

Celebrity

Taylor Swift debuts 'The Fate of Ophelia' live at the Academy Museum Gala

Lifestyle

Hailey Bieber's jet-black mani at the Academy Museum Gala — the exact OPI shade used

Travel

The Delano Miami Beach is back — here's what a reopened legend costs to book

Sport

Joel Faglier survives multiple knockdowns, KOs Javad Mahjoub at UFC Edmonton

Food

Ina Garten's roast chicken flopped on a platter — one swap sold it out in 10 minutes

Entertainment

Harry Styles debuts 'What Is Enough' at MSG in moving Liam Payne tribute

Celebrity

Miley Cyrus cries honoring Dolly Parton at Hollywood Bowl debut: 'We are eternal'

Lifestyle

Vogue's fall maximalism: ties, silk scarves and brooches piled to the neck

Travel

Île Seguin: Paris's former Renault island opens a 27,000-sq-ft art center

Sport

LeBron James more important to 76ers than Joel Embiid, says Kendrick Perkins

Food

Garofalo won a 9-brand boxed pasta blind test — and De Cecco is the budget pick

Entertainment

Olivia Rodrigo says Kendrick Lamar's 'HUMBLE.' inspired 'Expectations': 'It's a mantra'

Celebrity

Taylor Swift's viral glitter freckles now exist for dogs — Khloé's pup is first

Lifestyle

Kim Kardashian reworks the little black dress with a sculptural hip peplum

Travel

Waikiki's 'Pink Palace' is getting a major remodel ahead of its 100th birthday

Sport

Jayden Daniels: 'It'll never happen again' after Commanders' overtime clock gaffe

Food

Viral Dot Cakes are now at Costco — 6 sprinkle cakes for about $17