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Kevin Liles, former president and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, has been sued by a woman who alleges that he sexually assaulted her while she was employed at the record label in the early 2000s.
According to court documents obtained by Billboard, the lawsuit, filed on September 21, claims that Liles engaged in inappropriate behavior with the employee, including rape and sexual assault, during his tenure at Def Jam. The alleged incidents occurred between 2001-2004, when Liles was a senior executive at the label.
The plaintiff is seeking unspecified damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other forms of compensation. Her identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Liles was appointed chairman/CEO of Warner Music Group’s Elektra Records in 2022 after leading Def Jam Recordings from 2004 to 2017. He stepped down from that role earlier this month.
The alleged incidents have left the plaintiff with long-term physical and emotional injuries, according to the lawsuit. The document states that Liles’ actions caused the employee to experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
Representatives for Universal Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, and Liles did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The suit seeks a jury trial and is pending in the Southern District of New York.
Source: https://www.billboard.com/pro/kevin-liles-sued-rape-female-def-jam-employee-2000s/
