In the past three weeks, a surge of sexual harassment allegations has shaken the entertainment industry in the US, with ten celebrities facing accusations or lawsuits. This sudden wave is largely attributed to a unique New York law that temporarily lifts the time limit for suing over sexual assault, offering a one-year window that closes on November 23. Advocates argue that this legal provision allows traumatized adults to seek accountability from powerful figures and institutions. Here are some of the prominent names in the industry who have been accused in the recent wave:
1. Jamie Foxx
The Oscar-winning actor was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed on November 22, alleging that he groped a woman at a Manhattan rooftop bar in August 2015.
2. Sean Combs (Diddy): Surge
R&B singer Cassie accused Combs of subjecting her to a long-term abusive relationship, including beatings and rape, in a lawsuit filed on November 16. The case was settled a day after filing, and Combs denied the allegations.
3. Russell Brand
Accused on November 3 of sexually assaulting a film extra during the making of the movie “Arthur” in 2010. Brand has faced similar allegations from other women, maintaining that his relationships were consensual.
4. Bill Cosby: Surge
Accused on November 16 of sexually assaulting a young comedy writer more than 50 years ago, revisiting claims initially made in 2014 by Joan Tarshis.
5. Axl Rose
The Guns N’ Roses frontman was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 1989, as stated in a court filing on November 22.
6. Steven Tyler
The Aerosmith lead singer faced his second sexual assault allegation on November 2, accused of abusing a 17-year-old girl in the 1970s.
7. Cuba Gooding Jr: Surge
Sued on November 22 by two women, Jasmine Abbay and Kelsey Harbert, alleging instances of forcible kissing and breast groping in separate incidents.
8. Antonio “L.A.” Reid
Grammy-winning music executive sued on November 8 by Drew Dixon, who worked for Reid when he was CEO of Arista Records, accusing him of sexual assault in 2001.
The recent string of accusations reflects the impact of changing laws allowing survivors to come forward and seek justice beyond traditional time constraints.
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