Former Def Jam President Kevin Liles Accused of Sexual Assault in New Lawsuit

Jane Doe alleges Liles sexually assaulted her during her employment at Def Jam in the early 2000s, utilizing a legal window for decades-old claims.

Jane Doe has filed a lawsuit against Kevin Liles, Universal Music Group, and Def Jam Records, claiming Liles sexually assaulted her while she worked as his executive assistant between 2000 and 2002.
The lawsuit alleges Liles engaged in repeated sexual harassment, including inappropriate physical contact and comments, culminating in an alleged rape in 2002.
The plaintiff filed under a special New York City law allowing survivors of gender-motivated violence to bring forward time-barred claims before the March 1, 2025 deadline.
The lawsuit also accuses Universal Music Group and Def Jam of enabling and failing to address Liles' alleged behavior during his tenure as president of Def Jam from 1999 to 2004.
Liles, a prominent music executive, recently stepped down from his role at Warner Music’s 300 Elektra Entertainment in late 2024 and has not publicly responded to the allegations.