Aerosmith’s legendary frontman, Steven Tyler, faces a serious legal battle. A lawsuit has been filed against the 75-year-old musician, alleging sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl in 1975. This case adds to the growing list of accusations against Tyler, raising significant concerns about his past conduct.
The plaintiff, Jeanne Bellino, now 66, accuses Tyler of sexually assaulting her when she was around 17 years old. Described in the lawsuit are disturbing details of the alleged assault. Bellino’s lawyer, Jeff Anderson, spoke to Us Weekly, stating, “Jeanne is now 66 years old and suffered in silence and humiliated shame for so many years, and dared to tell her story now.” He emphasized Bellino’s desire to encourage Latina women and girls to speak out against such acts.
The incident allegedly occurred in New York City in 1975, following a modelling gig Bellino attended. She was waiting to travel home with a friend when the opportunity to meet Aerosmith at the Warwick Hotel presented itself. According to court documents, Tyler became aggressive after Bellino commented on his song lyrics. He is accused of forcibly kissing her and touching her inappropriately inside a phone booth, ignoring her attempts to resist.
Bellino’s ordeal didn’t end there. At the Warwick Hotel, Tyler allegedly repeated his actions, leaving Bellino distraught in the lobby. Only the intervention of a doorman, helping her to get a taxi, ended the night’s events. She claims to have endured physical, emotional, and psychological injuries from the encounter.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of another sexual assault accusation made against Tyler in December 2022 by Julia Misley, who claimed a sexual relationship with him began when she was only 16. Tyler has denied these allegations, asserting Misley consented and citing his status as her one-time legal guardian as a defence.
Steven Tyler’s illustrious career is overshadowed by these grave allegations, drawing attention to the darker aspects of rock ‘n’ roll history. As the legal process unfolds, the truth of these accusations will be closely scrutinized, potentially reshaping the legacy of one of rock music’s most iconic figures.