Music government Kevin Liles faces accusations of sexual assault and harassment in a former Def Jam worker’s lawsuit. The nameless girl additionally named the label and Common Music Group as defendants.
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In accordance with TMZ, Jane Doe claims the harassment started when Def Jam employed her in 1999 and Liles escalated from 2000 to 2002. Doe filed within the New York Supreme Courtroom underneath the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Safety Legislation. This submitting could also be one of many final of its type after a 2022 modification to the legislation prolonged the deadline to return ahead till March 1, 2025. Cassie additionally used this similar legislation to file her bombshell sexual assault assault lawsuit towards Sean “Diddy” Combs, whom Liles just lately defended.
The swimsuit accuses the previous Def Jam president of “derogatory and degrading feedback primarily based on her gender concerning her physique and look” shortly after they began working collectively. Liles’ alleged misconduct rapidly escalated to bodily assault, continually touching Doe’s breasts and grabbing her buttocks whereas she labored.
The lady stated she repeatedly rejected his sexual advances till he allegedly raped her in 2002. Liles remained at Def Jam till he left for Warner Music Group in 2004. He held that Vice President position till his resignation in September 2024.
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Selection studies Doe’s lawsuit claims Def Jam “knew or ought to have identified” about Liles’ “propensity to commit the aforementioned crimes of violence,” but allegedly allowed the misconduct to proceed. Lawyer, Lucas B. Franken, praised his consumer’s bravery to return ahead towards a titan of the music trade.
“We commend our consumer for her dedication to hunt justice for the sexual abuse she endured, in addition to the sheer bravery it took to return ahead towards a well known, superstar determine. In our prolonged expertise defending sexual abuse victims, now we have witnessed a standard thread and that’s that they’re typically not alone of their abuse. Based mostly on the violent and egregious conduct, we anticipate that others had been additionally abused, and we hope that they’ll additionally come ahead to share their experiences and pursue justice,” he stated.
Liles issued an announcement to defend his innocence and slam the allegations towards him.
“I completely deny the outrageous claims reported within the press this night. I want I may share a extra detailed response to this slander, however that is the primary I’ve heard of this declare and the nameless accuser’s legal professional shared the lawsuit with gossip influencers and media shops earlier than it was even posted by the courtroom, so my attorneys and I’ve not seen the precise lawsuit. After practically 40 years of service to our tradition, I’ve deliberately constructed a status for doing issues the best manner, treating individuals the best manner, and empowering girls,” he stated on Thursday.
“It’s a shameful actuality that these lies unfold so freely. My attorneys and I’ll absolutely clear my identify, and once we are profitable, this nameless accuser and her legal professional will face a defamation lawsuit and each different out there authorized consequence. These allegations won’t derail my mission to be of service to our group, and give attention to the higher good and higher God,” the assertion continued.
