Steven Tyler has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old and forced her to get an abortion. The Aerosmith frontman has argued that the plaintiff had consented to their sexual relationship and had immunity as her legal guardian at the time. Tyler also asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed, citing 24 affirmative defenses denying the allegations.
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has denied allegations of sexually assaulting and forcing an abortion on a former partner who was 16 at the time, claiming that there was a consensual relationship and that he was her legal guardian.
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has denied allegations of sexual assault and forced abortion made by a 16-year-old named Julia Misley, formerly known as Julia Holcomb. In documents obtained by Rolling Stone, Tyler argued that Misley consented to their sexual relationship and that he had legal immunity as her guardian at the time. He also urged for the lawsuit to be dismissed by citing 24 affirmative defenses that denied the allegations made against him. In addition, Tyler claimed that Misley had not suffered any injury or damage as a result of his actions.
Misley had accused Tyler of sexual assault, sexual battery, and forced abortion, and claimed that he had coerced and persuaded her into believing they were involved in a romantic affair. She also accused him of performing various acts of criminal sexual conduct, giving her drugs and alcohol, and forcing her to get an abortion. Misley further alleged that Tyler convinced her mother to grant him legal guardianship and continued to travel with and assault her.
Tyler had previously admitted in his memoir to having a relationship with a then-unnamed 16-year-old girl and nearly taking her as his bride. However, he did not name Misley or disclose any further details about the relationship. Misley’s attorney, Jeff Anderson, criticized Tyler’s defense as obnoxious and dangerous, stating that legal guardianship is not consent for sexual abuse.
Reps for Tyler have not commented on the matter.