Celebrating a legal victory, actor Tom Sizemore expressed relief after a judge in Utah dismissed a civil lawsuit that had been filed against him by a woman who alleged he groped her when she was just 11 years old on a movie set back in 2003.
The lawsuit brought by Kiersten Pyke was dismissed by Judge Randall Skanchy in Salt Lake City on August 20.
The judge’s decision, conveyed in a concise one-page order, did not elaborate on the rationale behind the dismissal.
In response to the news, Sizemore shared his thoughts with USA TODAY, stating, “I hope this highly disturbing matter is finally over for all concerned.”
Pyke’s attorney, Robert Sykes, explained in an email to USA TODAY that the dismissal was influenced by a recent ruling from the Utah Supreme Court regarding the state’s statute of limitations for s=x crimes, despite a legislative change in 2016 extending the timeframe for victims of child s–ual abuse to come forward.
Sizemore, aged 58, expressed empathy for his accuser while refuting her accusations as false in a statement.
He acknowledged his past misconduct, such as drug use and convictions for violence against women, but emphasized he had never faced allegations of molestation.
While expressing sympathy towards his accuser, Sizemore underscored his denial of any inappropriate behavior towards her or any other child.
He reflected on his troubled history, urging his accuser not to follow his misguided path and asked not to be prejudged based on his past mistakes.
The actor disclosed the emotional toll of being accused of such a deplorable act, citing the personal and professional repercussions, including the impact on his family.
He lamented the idea that an 11-year-old could perceive him as violating her, attributing potential misinterpretations to external influences.
Sizemore revealed his earnest hope for his accuser’s aspirations to be fulfilled and vehemently asserted his commitment to safeguarding children against harm.
Despite maintaining his innocence vehemently since 2017, following Pyke’s public allegations amid the #MeToo movement, Sizemore reiterated his innocence.
Pyke had accused Sizemore, then 42, of inappropriate actions during a photo shoot for the film “Born Killers,” alleging he kissed her and touched her genitals while she sat on his lap.
The incident was reported to authorities in 2003, leading to an investigation that did not result in charges due to evidential challenges.
Reflecting on the lack of legal consequences at the time, Sizemore speculated that if suspicions had arisen, law enforcement would have intervened.
Known for his roles in action films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Black Hawk Down,” Sizemore continues to be active in the industry, with numerous projects in various stages of production.
