A lawsuit has been filed against Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler by Julia Misley, alleging sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit claims that the alleged events took place over a three-year period starting in 1973 when Misley was 16 years old. The 2019 California law, which gives adult victims of childhood sexual assault a three-year window to file lawsuits for decades-old instances of assault, is the reason for the filing. The deadline to file such claims is Saturday.
The lawsuit states that Tyler “used his role, status, and power as a well-known musician and rock star to gain access to, groom, manipulate, exploit, and sexually assault” Misley. It goes on to allege that Tyler became Misley’s legal guardian so she could travel with him to shows and that she became pregnant in 1975 as a result of having sex with Tyler. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Tyler further harmed Misley by publishing memoirs that detailed parts of their relationship without her knowledge or consent.
Tyler has previously acknowledged the relationship in two books and representatives for him have not responded to requests for comment. Misley is seeking monetary compensation of an unspecified amount. The allegations come as the issue of sexual assault is receiving heightened attention and scrutiny in the US. Saturday is the deadline for filing such claims under the 2019 California law.