Veteran music executive Kevin Liles has been hit with a sexual assault lawsuit stemming from allegations that date back to the early 2000s, when he was a top executive at Def Jam Recordings. The lawsuit was filed yesterday, Kevin’s 57th birthday.
The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court, was brought by Jane Doe, who claims that Liles sexually assaulted her during her employment at Def Jam between 1999 and 2002.
The Allegations Against Kevin Liles
According to the lawsuit, Doe was hired at Def Jam in 1999 as an executive assistant to the general manager. She alleges that Liles, who served as President of Def Jam and EVP of Island Def Jam from 1999 to 2004, began sexually harassing her soon after she started working.
The suit claims that Liles made inappropriate comments about her body and appearance and that between 2000 and 2002, the harassment escalated to physical acts, including pushing his body against her breasts and grabbing her behind.
In 2002, Doe alleges that Liles sexually assaulted her in the office. She claims that after rejecting his advances, he forced himself on top of her and raped her, despite her repeated protests.
Doe’s lawsuit also names Universal Music Group (UMG) and Def Jam as defendants, claiming that the companies enabled Liles’ misconduct and failed to protect employees from his alleged behavior.
Legal Context and Survivor Protections
Jane Doe filed the lawsuit under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which was amended in 2022 to allow survivors of sexual abuse who were previously unable to file lawsuits due to statute limitations to come forward. The deadline to file under this amendment is March 1, 2025, which may explain why Doe chose to file now.
Doe’s attorney, Lucas B. Franken, praised his client’s bravery in coming forward, stating that they expect other potential victims to speak out as well.
Liles’ Silence and Past Legal Trouble
Neither Kevin Liles nor Universal Music Group have responded publicly to the lawsuit. However, this is not the first time Liles has been linked to allegations of sexual misconduct.
In 2023, he was named as a defendant in a $25 million sexual assault lawsuit against Trey Songz, whom he managed. The lawsuit alleged that Liles had ignored multiple accusations against the singer over the years. That case was settled in 2024.
Kevin Liles’ Career and Influence in the Music Industry
Kevin Liles has been one of the most powerful figures in the music industry for decades. After his time at Def Jam, he went on to co-found 300 Entertainment with Lyor Cohen, and the company became home to some of hip-hop’s biggest stars, including Young Thug, Gunna, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Warner Music Group acquired 300 Entertainment in 2022 for $400 million, and Liles was appointed chairman and CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment. However, he left his position at the end of 2024.
Over the years, he has managed major artists, including Mariah Carey and D’Angelo, and played a role in shaping modern hip-hop and R&B.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and no formal response has been made by Liles, Def Jam, or Universal Music Group. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the defendant, this case will likely gain widespread attention in the coming weeks.
If more accusers come forward, as Doe’s attorney predicts, this could turn into an even bigger scandal for Liles and the music industry at large, raising more questions about accountability and culture within record labels.
For now, the industry—and the public—will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.