Steven Tyler, frontman of the iconic rock band Aerosmith, has been accused of sexual assault by a second accuser. According to a lawsuit filed in New York, Jeanne Bellino claims that the singer assaulted her twice in one day in the summer of 1975, when she was just 17 years old.
Bellino, a former child model, alleges that Tyler violently attacked her when she asked him about a song lyric, forcing her into a phone booth. She claims that he then proceeded to stick his tongue down her throat, and groped her breasts, buttocks and genitals. The lawsuit also states that others in Tyler’s entourage stood by and laughed as the assault took place, not intervening.
The second incident allegedly occurred later that day in the Warwick Hotel’s bar area, where Tyler allegedly forcibly kissed Bellino and grinded against her. The lawsuit states that Bellino has suffered great pain of mind and body since the incident, and still requires medication to cope with the trauma.
This is the second time Tyler has been accused of sexual assault. In December 2022, Julia Misley, then known as Julia Holcomb, accused the singer of sexual assault and battery dating back to the 1970s, when she was a minor. Tyler denied all of the allegations. Misley’s lawsuit claimed that Tyler had her parents sign a paper granting him guardianship over her when she was 16, and coerced her into believing their relationship was a “romantic love affair”. He allegedly demanded she get an abortion in 1975 when she was pregnant with his child.
Tyler’s attorney has issued 24 affirmative defences and denied all allegations, stating that all claims are “barred” as the claimant gave “consent”, and adding that Tyler should be granted immunity as he was “caretaker and/or guardian” at the time.
If you have experienced sexual assault and need help, advice or more information, visit Rape Crisis UK or RAINN in the US.
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