Vin Diesel, Tommy Lee, and Jermaine Jackson, three stars of the entertainment industry, have been hit with sex abuse lawsuits under California’s accountability law. The lawsuits were filed in California Superior Court by three male victims, alleging the three men of abuse stemming from their respective sexual connections with the victims and their guardians when they were minors. In addition to filing the civil action, the victims have requested that California’s laws be amended to include a retroactive provision that would allow for the prosecution of individuals for abuse that occurred many years ago.
The victims allege that the three stars failed to take “reasonable steps” to protect them from the abuse they suffered, and are now seeking to hold the accused accountable for damages. Under California’s accountability law, plaintiffs may seek damages for physical, emotional, and economic losses resulting from the abuse they suffered. For example, a victim could seek compensation for physical pain or emotional distress they experienced due to the abuse.
The threat of civil and criminal liability for sexual abuse has become increasingly important to both public and private entities, and it is crucial that individuals in positions of power and influence take all reasonable steps to protect those in their trust. For example, if a company has reason to suspect an employee is using his or her role to prey upon minors, an investigation should be conducted and appropriate action taken.
Not only would holding individuals such as Vin Diesel, Tommy Lee, and Jermaine Jackson accountable help deter such actions in the future, but these cases may also provide an opportunity to draw attention to California’s accountability law and encourage its wider application.
These lawsuits are just the latest examples of how the entertainment industry is being held to a higher standard of accountability in order to protect both victims and the public from the harms of abuse. As more individuals come forward with their experiences, it is increasingly likely that further action will be taken to ensure justice and accountability for victims and the public.