Rock legend Steven Tyler is facing a new lawsuit in which he is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a New York City phone booth in the 1970s. The accuser, Jeanne Bellino, has recently filed the lawsuit nearly 50 years after the alleged incidents took place.
Key Takeaway
Steven Tyler, of Aerosmith fame, is facing a lawsuit in which he is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a New York City phone booth in the 1970s. The accuser, Jeanne Bellino, was 17 years old at the time and claims that Tyler forcibly assaulted her, both in the phone booth and later in a hotel room. She asserts that she still experiences long-term physical effects from the alleged trauma and is seeking damages in her lawsuit. This is not the first accusation of sexual assault against Tyler, who was sued by another woman last year. The lawsuit is notable because certain felony sexual assault charges have no statute of limitations in New York state.
Allegations from Jeanne Bellino
In the lawsuit, Bellino, who was a 17-year-old model at the time, claims that a friend arranged for her to meet Aerosmith and party with them in New York City. As they were walking down 6th Ave, she made a comment about a song lyric that apparently upset Tyler. According to Bellino, Tyler then grabbed her and forcibly shoved her into a phone booth.
Inside the phone booth, Bellino alleges that Tyler shoved his tongue down her throat, groped her body, and pinned her against the wall, engaging in simulated sexual acts. Although Tyler was still clothed, Bellino claims she could tell he was aroused.
After she managed to escape the phone booth, Bellino says she continued to stay with Tyler and his entourage, including going to a nearby hotel. She explains that she felt she had no choice but to stay with the group because she needed her friend for transportation. However, Bellino asserts that Tyler repeated his inappropriate behavior in the hotel room, again groping and simulating sexual acts while fully clothed, before abruptly leaving the room.
Long-Term Effects and Legal Action
Bellino contends that she requires ongoing medication to address the “long-term physical injury” resulting from the traumatic experiences she allegedly endured. As a result, she is suing Steven Tyler for damages.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Tyler has faced allegations of sexual assault. Last year, he was also sued by Julia Holcomb, who claimed they met in 1973 when she was 16 years old.
Bellino’s lawsuit states that Tyler may have committed at least one misdemeanor or felony. This is significant because certain types of felony sexual assault have no statute of limitations under New York state law.
At present, there has been no comment from Tyler’s representatives regarding the lawsuit.
