Sexual assault claim against Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler dropped
A lawsuit accusing Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler of sexual assault has been dismissed by a US judge, with lack of diligence and waiting too long to sue being key reasons.
US district judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that the accuser, Jeanne Bellino, allowed too much time to pass before taking legal action under a New York City law protecting victims of gender-motivated violence.
The judge ruled that Bellino was ineligible for a two-year timeframe to pursue claims that would typically surpass statutes of limitations. This was because she failed to assert that Tyler’s behaviour presented a “serious risk of physical injury.”
Kaplan also stated that two state statutes, namely the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act, took precedence over Bellino’s claim. This decision was largely based on arguments presented by Tyler’s legal team.
Additionally, they criticised Bellino for not taking legal action under the Child Victims Act, citing a perceived lack of diligence on her part.
Bellino alleged that during the summer of 1975, while employed as a youth model, she travelled from her residence in Queens to Manhattan for a fashion show assignment. There, she claims Tyler assaulted her twice, once in a phone booth and again at her hotel.
One of Tyler’s lawyers, David Long-Daniels, commented on the recent dismissal, saying: “We agree with the judge’s reasoning, and are grateful for this result on behalf of our client.”
Tyler continues to face a separate lawsuit accusing him of sexual battery and assault involving a minor, Julia Holcomb Misley, who was 16 at the time, spanning three years in the same era. Although the singer refutes Misley’s claims of assault and battery, he does not dispute engaging in a sexual relationship with her.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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