In a serious legal development, Kevin Liles, former president of Def Jam Recordings, is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who alleges that he sexually assaulted her during his tenure at the label in the early 2000s. The lawsuit was filed under a Jane Doe pseudonym in the New York Supreme Court and names Liles, Universal Music Group (UMG), and Def Jam Recordings as defendants.
The accuser claims she began working as an executive assistant to Liles around 1999, during his time as president of Def Jam and executive vice president of Island Def Jam. According to the complaint, Liles allegedly subjected her to a hostile work environment filled with derogatory remarks about her gender, body, and appearance. The lawsuit details a pattern of harassment that escalated between 2000 and 2002, culminating in serious allegations of physical assault.
The plaintiff claims that Liles pressed his body against her breasts and grabbed her behind on multiple occasions. The situation reportedly escalated to a point where, in 2002, he allegedly raped her in the office after she rebuffed his advances. The lawsuit further alleges that UMG and Def Jam “not only knew or should have known” about Liles’ behavior but also facilitated it, creating an environment where such misconduct could occur.
In response to the allegations, Liles issued a strong denial through a statement provided to Variety, labeling the claims as “outrageous” and asserting that he has never engaged in any wrongdoing. He expressed frustration over the situation, particularly criticizing the accuser’s attorney for allegedly leaking the lawsuit to the press before it was officially filed. “My attorneys and I have not seen the actual lawsuit,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to clearing his name.
Liles, who has spent nearly 40 years in the music industry, expressed pride in his reputation for treating people well and empowering women. He vowed to fight the allegations rigorously, indicating that he plans to pursue a defamation lawsuit against the anonymous accuser and her attorney once he has cleared his name.
The lawsuit was filed under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which allows survivors to bring forward previously time-barred claims before the March 1 deadline. Liles’ accuser’s attorney, Lucas B. Franken, praised her courage in coming forward and expressed hope that other victims would also feel empowered to share their experiences. “We commend our client for her determination to seek justice,” Franken stated, highlighting the hope that the case might encourage other victims to come forward regarding similar experiences.
This lawsuit adds to a growing trend of legal actions within the entertainment industry, where survivors are increasingly willing to speak out against high-profile figures. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case will likely draw significant attention, not only for the serious allegations involved but also for its implications for workplace conduct and accountability in the music industry.
As the public awaits further developments, the juxtaposition of Liles’ long-standing career and the gravity of these allegations raises critical questions about power dynamics, workplace culture, and the ongoing fight for justice for survivors of sexual violence in all industries. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, both for Liles and for the broader conversation surrounding accountability in the entertainment sector.
