Steven Tyler, the frontman of the iconic rock band Aerosmith, is facing allegations of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed against him by Jeanne Bellino. Bellino claims that Tyler sexually assaulted her in 1975 when she was 17 years old. The lawsuit lists the cause of action as gender-motivated violence and seeks unspecified damages.
Bellino alleges that she met Steven Tyler in New York City when a friend arranged for them to meet Aerosmith at the Warwick Hotel. During their encounter, Tyler allegedly forced her into a phone booth on Sixth Avenue and sexually assaulted her. The suit states that Tyler “stuck his tongue down her throat” and proceeded to grope her, moving and removing clothing while pinning her against the phone booth wall. The suit further alleges that Tyler pretended to have sex with Bellino while others stood by outside the phone booth, laughing, and passersby watched without intervening.
The suit describes Bellino’s first sexual experience as a traumatic event where she was held captive by Tyler, who allegedly had an erect penis and was not wearing underwear. She fought to free herself but was restrained by Tyler.
After the phone booth incident, Bellino claims that she stayed with the group and returned to the Warwick Hotel. Tyler allegedly forcibly kissed her and made unwanted advances. When she resisted, Tyler told her he would call her to his room later. Bellino, sobbing and shaking, claims she felt paralyzed and feared being unable to speak.
According to the lawsuit, a doorman later “flung her” into a cab outside the hotel. She confided in her sister about the incident when she returned home. In her lawsuit, Bellino alleges that she has suffered severe emotional distress, physical injuries, embarrassment, humiliation, and physical and psychological injuries as a result of the alleged assault. She claims to have been hospitalized and medicated due to the incident, which continues to affect her.
The lawsuit is the second of its kind to be filed against Steven Tyler, coming almost a year after Julia Misley (formerly known as Julia Holcomb) filed a similar lawsuit. Misley accused Tyler of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. She alleged that Tyler used his fame and status to groom, manipulate, exploit, and assault her.
In his memoir, Tyler acknowledged having a relationship with a 16-year-old girl named “Diana,” and he stated that he became her legal guardian, which provided him with legal immunity from related laws. The lawsuit brought by Misley raised questions about the relationship and consent, and the court proceedings are ongoing. These lawsuits present a complex legal battle involving allegations of sexual assault that occurred several decades ago. The legal arguments include issues related to consent, guardianship, statutes of limitations, and potential legal immunities.
As these cases unfold, they draw attention to the broader conversation surrounding sexual assault allegations and the legal rights of the accusers and the accused. The outcome of these lawsuits will have significant implications not only for the parties involved but also for the broader public discourse on sexual assault and accountability.
Steven Tyler and his legal team have not yet publicly commented on the allegations raised in the recent lawsuit filed by Jeanne Bellino. The legal process will proceed to determine the facts and any potential legal consequences.
The legal complexities and developments in this case highlight the importance of due process and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations. As the legal proceedings continue, the public will be watching closely to see how this case unfolds and whether it has broader implications for the legal treatment of historical sexual assault allegations.
Both the plaintiffs and the defendant have legal rights that must be respected, and the courts will ultimately determine the outcome of these cases. This case underscores the complexity and sensitivity of addressing allegations of sexual assault, particularly when they involve events from the distant past.
The legal proceedings in the lawsuits against Steven Tyler will likely continue for some time, and it remains to be seen how the legal system will navigate the intricacies of these cases while striving to provide justice and resolution for all parties involved.
Written by
Derek Chan – Editor
