A sexual assault lawsuit against Steven Tyler has been dismissed by a judge who stated that the alleged incident did not pose a serious risk of harm to the plaintiff. The lawsuit, brought by Jeanne Bellino, accused the singer-songwriter of kissing, groping, and simulating sex with her in 1975 when she was 17. Bellino filed the lawsuit last year under New York City’s Victim of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, which extends the statute of limitations for certain alleged sexual misdeeds.
Key Takeaway
A judge dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against Steven Tyler, citing that the alleged incident did not present a serious risk of physical injury to the plaintiff, setting a precedent that may have implications for similar cases in New York City.
Judge’s Rationale for Dismissal
The judge ruled that in order to take advantage of the extended statute of limitations, the alleged act needed to present a serious risk of physical injury. The judge determined that the incident, as described by Bellino, did not meet this criterion. While acknowledging that the alleged actions may have been distressing, the judge concluded that they did not rise to the level of posing a risk of serious injury, leading to the dismissal of the lawsuit.
Future Ramifications
This decision sets a significant precedent, and it remains unclear how it may impact other cases filed in New York City under the same provision. Bellino has been given until March 13 to attempt to amend her complaint.
