In a recent development in the lawsuit against Steven Tyler, the Aerosmith frontman has requested the court to order his accuser, Julia Misley, to pay $155,423.
This request for compensation for legal fees comes after a portion of Misley’s lawsuit, filed in 2022, was dismissed. Misley’s original lawsuit alleged sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress. Tyler has denied all accusations.
The newly obtained documents detail Tyler’s legal team’s request for financial compensation from Misley. This motion follows the dismissal of a part of Misley’s lawsuit, which could be seen as a small win for Tyler’s defense. It’s important to remember that the lawsuit itself is still ongoing.
Steven Tyler’s Lawyer Argues for Reimbursement of Legal Fees
Tyler’s lawyer is pushing back against Misley’s lawsuit, arguing her claims are baseless and have caused Tyler significant financial strain. The lawyer contends that Misley’s public statements do not constitute grounds for the lawsuit and are protected free speech.
Additionally, they highlight the significant time gap between the alleged events discussed in Misley’s memoir (1997 and 2011) and the filing of the lawsuit in 2022. This defense strategy aims to shift the financial burden of the lawsuit. Tyler’s lawyer claims Misley’s actions have forced him to incur over $142,000 in legal fees to fight the accusations.
Furthermore, they are requesting an additional $12,930 to cover the costs associated with this specific motion and the anticipated legal arguments to come. Julia Misley has not yet responded to these comments from Steven Tyler’s lawyer.
Misley’s Lawsuit and Tyler’s Defense
In December 2022, Misley filed a lawsuit against the Aerosmith frontman, accusing him of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). Her lawsuit detailed a relationship with Tyler during her teenage years. She further claimed that Tyler convinced her mother to become his legal guardian at 16 to facilitate the relationship.
While the initial lawsuit didn’t explicitly name Tyler, details alluded to events described in his 2011 memoir. This connection led to his identification in a later statement by Misley.
Tyler’s defense hinges on two key arguments. First, he claims Misley’s emotional distress claims related to his memoirs are protected free speech under the First Amendment. He argues they are a form of artistic expression detailing his life experiences. Secondly, he emphasizes the significant time gap between the alleged events (described in his 1997 and 2011 memoirs) and the lawsuit filed in 2022.
Misley Claims Tyler Got Her Pregnant
Misley’s lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of events in 1975. According to her claims, she became pregnant with Tyler’s child. Fearing potential birth defects due to a prior fire, Tyler allegedly pressured her to have an abortion. Following the abortion, the lawsuit states their relationship ended and Misley returned home.
Interestingly, the lawsuit references passages from Tyler’s 2011 memoir that seem to corroborate Misley’s story. In the book, Tyler describes a situation where he “almost took a teen bride” after the girl’s parents “fell in love” with him. He goes on to claim they “signed a paper over for me to have custody” to avoid legal trouble while traveling with her.
These sections of Tyler’s memoir are central to the legal battle. Tyler argues that the content is protected free speech, simply recounting his life experiences. He further claims that Misley’s consent to the arrangement weakens her case.