A legal battle involving Steven Tyler is moving forward in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where the legendary rocker is expected to stand trial this August over allegations of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s.
The lawsuit was originally filed in 2022 by Julia Misley, who alleges that Tyler sexually assaulted and groomed her when she was 16 years old while he was in his mid-20s. According to the complaint, Misley claims the singer manipulated her through “his role, status, and power as a well-known musician and rock star,” ultimately leading to an abusive relationship that included pregnancy and pressure to undergo an abortion.
Central to the case are excerpts from Tyler’s memoir, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?, in which the singer openly discusses his relationship with a teenage girl he described as his “teen bride.” In the book, Tyler recounts taking the teenager on tour after allegedly receiving permission from her parents to act as her legal guardian, allowing him to travel with her across state lines without legal consequences.
Despite the allegations, Tyler has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Earlier this week, a judge dismissed the majority of the claims connected to the case, citing Massachusetts statute-of-limitations laws, where much of the relationship allegedly took place. However, one aspect of the lawsuit remains active due to California’s Child Victims Act legislation enacted in 2020 that allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims regardless of how much time has passed.
Attorneys for both sides quickly reacted to the court’s decision.
Tyler’s lawyer, David Long-Daniels, described the ruling as a major victory for the singer, stating that nearly all claims against his client had been dismissed, leaving only allegations tied to a single night more than five decades ago.
Meanwhile, Misley’s attorney, Jeff Anderson, praised his client’s determination to continue pursuing accountability, calling the decision part of a long fight for justice and truth.
The remaining claims are expected to be heard before a jury later this summer, with proceedings currently scheduled to begin in August.