Former Def Jam President Kevin Liles Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit
Kevin Liles, the former president of Def Jam, has been accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe. The lawsuit alleges that Liles assaulted her while she was employed at Def Jam in the early 2000s.
According to Variety, the complaint, submitted to the New York Supreme Court, accuses Liles of harassment and assault during his time as President of Def Jam and Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam between 1999 and 2004. The plaintiff, who worked as an executive assistant at the company, claims Liles began making inappropriate remarks about her body and appearance soon after she was hired.
The lawsuit details that between 2000 and 2002, the alleged misconduct escalated, with Liles reportedly making unwanted physical contact, including pressing his body against the plaintiff and grabbing her. In 2002, she alleges that he forcibly raped her after she rejected his advances. The suit also holds Universal Music Group (UMG) and Def Jam accountable, claiming they were aware of Liles’ behavior but failed to act.
Liles has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false” and “defamatory.” He stated his commitment to defending his name and added that his legal team had not yet reviewed the lawsuit. Liles also criticized the manner in which the suit was publicized, arguing that the accuser’s attorney shared it with the media before it was officially filed. He emphasized his dedication to empowering women and maintaining a strong reputation for integrity throughout his career.
The lawsuit was filed under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which was revised in 2022 to allow survivors to seek legal action even after the statute of limitations had expired. Liles’ attorneys have announced plans to take legal action against the accuser and her lawyer for defamation.
Liles, who recently stepped down as CEO of Warner Music’s 300 Elektra Entertainment, has worked with renowned artists such as D’Angelo, Young Thug, and Mariah Carey.
