“California Accountability Law Unearths Sex Abuse Suits against Vin Diesel, Tommy Lee, and Jermaine Jackson
In a shocking story involving several music icons, actor Vin Diesel, former Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, and singer Jermaine Jackson, the trio have been hit with civil lawsuits concerning alleged sexual abuse under California’s sweeping new accountability law.
The lawsuits were brought forward by Harlan Braun, a prominent Los Angeles-based attorney, at the behest of clients who allege that they were victims of sexual abuse committed by the three celebrities. The basis of the suits falls under the auspice of California’s new law, which grants victims more rights to bring civil action against abusers who have been protected by statutes of limitation in the past.
According to Braun in a public statement, “Our clients are coming forward after suffering in silence for many years. They are hopeful that the law will protect them and help them receive the justice they seek.”
Braun did not go into details regarding the specifics of each celebrities’ alleged misconduct, however he did note that some of the instances occurred in the late 1970s and early ‘80s.
The California law is in part being credited with a surge in similar lawsuits over the past few months, with high-profile cases like this one highlighting how much further victims are able to seek redress now than they were able to before.
Vin Diesel, Tommy Lee, and Jermaine Jackson have all yet to make any public comment on the matter. As of now, the lawsuits are still in the early stages and no hearing date has been set.
Nevertheless, the allegations underscore a worrying trend of individuals being able to wield power and money to victimize vulnerable people, and the importance of laws like those in California that help to balance the power dynamics and hold abusers accountable for their actions.