Former Def Jam Employee Sues Kevin Liles, Alleging Assault During Early 2000s Tenure

A former Def Jam employee has brought a lawsuit against Kevin Liles, accusing the renowned music executive of assault during his leadership at the label in the early 2000s.

The lawsuit, filed using the pseudonym Jane Doe in the New York Supreme Court, targets Liles, Universal Music Group, and Def Jam Recordings.

Allegedly hired as an executive assistant to Liles in the late 1990s, Jane Doe claims that Liles subjected her to disparaging comments regarding her gender, physique, and looks. The situation escalated from verbal to physical harassment between 2000 and 2002, with Doe asserting that Liles made unwanted physical advances, including inappropriate touching.

Doe further alleges that in 2002, Liles sexually assaulted her in the office after she rebuffed his advances.

In response to the allegations, Liles vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims as "outrageous." He expressed shock at the accusations and criticized the timing of the lawsuit's media exposure before he and his legal team reviewed the details.

Defending his reputation, especially in supporting and empowering women throughout his extensive career in the industry, Liles asserted his commitment to clearing his name through legal proceedings.

The lawsuit, brought under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, aims to empower survivors to pursue justice for past incidents. Doe's attorney, Lucas B. Franken, commended her bravery in stepping forward and encouraged other potential victims to share their stories for accountability and justice.