In a highly unusual case, Steven Tyler’s own words could be used against him as he faces s**ual assault allegations in court.
Legal experts say that cases like this rarely go to trial, making it a unique situation.
Earlier this year, Tyler was formally named in a lawsuit that was initially filed in December against unnamed defendants.
The lawsuit accuses Tyler of s**ual assault, s**ual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
This lawsuit was made possible by new California legislation that created a legal window for survivors of child s**ual abuse to come forward with old allegations.
Julia Misley, formerly known as Julia Holcomb, claims that Tyler started abusing her in the 1970s when she was just 16 years old.
According to Lesley Brovner, a co-founder of NYC-based litigation firm Peters Brovner LLP, the reason why there are so many cases of s**ual abuse coming to light is because the behavior has been rampant.
The allegations against Tyler are not new, as Misley has spoken out against him in the past.
Furthermore, Tyler’s own memoir corroborates some of the claims she has made.
The fact that Tyler allegedly secured guardianship over Misley when she was a minor adds to the uniqueness of the case.
It is also unusual that the case is going to trial at all.
Aurore DeCarlo, a senior partner with C.A.
Goldberg, a law firm specializing in victims’ rights, believes that negotiations and talks likely took place before the lawsuit was filed.
However, it is unclear whether Tyler was adamant about not settling or if Misley wanted to go public with her claims.
Typically, cases like these are settled out of court because both parties involved prefer to keep the details private.
Litigation can be retraumatizing for the accuser, while the accused often wishes to avoid public scrutiny.
Misley alleges in her lawsuit that Tyler groomed, exploited, and s**ually abused her.
She recounts various details, including how they met at an Aerosmith concert when she was 16 years old.
After the show, Tyler took her back to his hotel where they discussed her age before engaging in criminal s**ual conduct.
Misley claims that their relationship lasted for about three years.
The lawsuit also states that by 1974, Tyler convinced Misley’s mother to grant him guardianship, allowing him to live and travel with Misley without prosecution.
However, he did not fulfill his promises of supporting her and providing access to healthcare and education.
Instead, he continued to travel with her, assault her, and provide alcohol and drugs.
Misley also alleges that Tyler convinced her to get an abortion.
Misley hopes that her lawsuit will expose the industry that protects celebrity offenders and hold them accountable for their actions.
She wants justice not only for herself but also for other victims who have been exploited by the industry.
Interestingly, Tyler’s own memoir from 2004 includes details that align with Misley’s claims.
He describes s**ual encounters with a young woman and admits to becoming her guardian to avoid arrest while they traveled.
This evidence could potentially support Misley’s testimony.
Proving s**ual assault cases can be challenging, especially when decades have passed since the alleged crime.
However, the time that has elapsed could work in Misley’s favor as it allows her to demonstrate the lifelong impact of the assault.
This evidence is crucial in helping the jury understand the gravity of the abuse.
Despite the obstacles, legal experts believe that Misley has a strong case based on the claims and evidence presented.
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