Chapter 17 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 17 considers the subject of rape—forcible sexual intercourse—as practiced by Hell's Angels. According to media reports, Hell's Angels are notorious and habitual rapists, often engaging in gang rape and other sexually brutalizing activities. The Hell's Angels vehemently deny these allegations, asserting that nearly all accusations are false or trumped-up charges. The chapter relates several accounts of alleged rapes, noting that in every case considered, the charges were eventually dismissed. According to Thompson, many rape charges result from women who readily engage in sexual activity with two or three Hell's Angels, but then become upset when they realize they will be required to service dozens of Hell's Angels. Other rape charges stem from women who engage in voluntary sexual activity and discover, later, that they were also robbed of money. Still other charges result from women seeking revenge...