Steven Tyler Maintains Confidence in Sexual Assault Lawsuit Amidst Judicial Change

A new judge has been assigned to the sexual assault case involving Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, though sources close to the musician express unwavering confidence in his legal defense. Lawrence Riff, the supervising judge of the civil division at the Los Angeles Superior Court, has taken over the case following the recusal of Judge Patricia A. Young less than two weeks before the trial was scheduled to commence.

A source indicated to Page Six that this judicial change is unlikely to significantly impact Tyler's defense, as his team views Judge Riff as fair and knowledgeable. The rockstar reportedly remains "confident" that the facts will lead to a favorable outcome.

Tyler, 78, was sued in December 2022 with allegations of sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, a significant portion of these claims were dismissed, primarily due to jurisdictional issues and statutes of limitations concerning events outside California.

The remaining claim centers on an alleged incident in Los Angeles in 1974. The plaintiff, Julia Misley, accused Tyler of dragging her, then 16, through a hotel and to a public hot tub for sexual purposes. Tyler has consistently denied any non-consensual activity, asserting that their relationship was consensual throughout the years they were together.

He has further claimed that he had the blessing of Misley's parents to have her accompany him on tour during Aerosmith's rise to fame. Sources close to Tyler state that he and Misley were "in love" and even became engaged after the incident in question, emphasizing that their relationship was considered normal at the time.

Both parties are scheduled to appear in court again in November. Page Six has reached out to Tyler's representatives and Misley's attorneys for comment.