In a highly unusual case, legal experts suggest that Steven Tyler’s own memoir may be used as evidence against him in a s**ual assault trial.
Earlier this year, Tyler was named in a lawsuit accusing him of s**ual assault, s**ual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit was filed under new California legislation that allows survivors of child s**ual abuse to come forward with old allegations.
The plaintiff, Julia Misley, alleges that Tyler began abusing her when she was 16 years old in the 1970s.
Lesley Brovner, co-founder of NYC-based litigation firm Peters Brovner LLP, explains that the number of people and cases being named in relation to s**ual misconduct is indicative of the widespread nature of the issue.
However, the case against Tyler has some unique aspects.
Misley has previously spoken out against him, and Tyler’s own memoir supports some of the claims made against him.
Furthermore, it is uncommon for such cases to go to trial.
Aurore DeCarlo, senior partner with C.A.
Goldberg, a law firm specializing in victims’ rights, suggests that settlements are often preferred to avoid public scrutiny.
Litigation can be retraumatizing for the accuser, while the accused often wants to keep the accusations private.
In Misley’s lawsuit, she alleges that Tyler groomed, exploited, and s**ually abused her.
She details how she met Tyler at an Aerosmith concert when she was 16 and he was 25.
According to the lawsuit, Tyler took her back to his hotel where he engaged in criminal s**ual conduct.
The suit also claims that Tyler convinced Misley’s mother to grant him guardianship so they could travel together without facing prosecution.
Misley hopes that the lawsuit will expose an industry that protects celebrity offenders and hold them accountable.
Tyler’s own memoir from 2004 includes details that align with the allegations made by Misley.
s**ual assault cases are already difficult to prove, especially when many years have passed since the alleged crime.
However, Tyler’s memoir could provide important evidence in support of Misley’s claims.
The passage of time may actually strengthen Misley’s case, as she can demonstrate the long-term impact of the assault on her life.
Legal experts believe that Misley has a strong case, considering the claims and evidence she brings forward.
The jury will have to consider the compensation owed to her in light of the lasting effects of the abuse.
Ultimately, this trial may shed light on the serious issue of child s**ual abuse and the accountability of those in positions of power.
