Arrest on charges of indecency

In January 1981, Williams’ stage performance in Milwaukee led to her arrest on charges of indecency after she reportedly “simulated masturbation with a sledge hammer in front of an audience”. After objecting to being searched she was thrown to the ground and reportedly kicked in the face (later requiring a dozen stitches), with manager Rod Swenson also beaten unconscious when he tried to intervene. Williams was charged with battery of a police officer, resisting arrest, and “conduct in violation of a Milwaukee city ordinance pertaining to establishments that sell liquor”, with Swenson also charged, but both were later cleared of all charges. A subsequent performance at The Palms nightclub sold out, and passed without incident, although the venue was raided after the show by the vice squad, with more than 30 police officers in attendance in case of trouble. Williams was also arrested on obscenity charges in Cleveland, but she was again acquitted.