7 Hollywood actors, music legends fighting assault lawsuits include Jamie Foxx, Russell Brand, and Axl Rose

Los Angeles: With their strong influence and full coffers, stars and celebrities are no strangers to legal woes and petty complaints. However, some A-listers have gotten themselves embroiled in serious legal and moral accusations, including sexual assault, over the past few weeks. The flurry of suits filed also coincides with the expiry of the Adult Survivors Act – a special New York state law letting women sue their alleged abusers even if statutes of limitations have run out. The law expires after the U.S. Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Axl Rose: Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose has been accused of sexual assault by former model Sheila Kennedy. The incident allegedly happened in 1989, and the suit was filed days before the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act. Kennedy is seeking damages from Rose for intentional affliction of emotional distress and gender-motivated violence, her lawsuit said, according to AFP.

Jamie Foxx: Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx was accused of assault where the plaintiff alleged that the actor grabbed her by the 'arm and pulled her to the back area of the rooftop' after meeting her at the bar. The suit says AFP reported the plaintiff 'will permanently be affected by the injuries and emotional distress she incurred as a result of the sexual assault, abuse, assault and battery.'

Cuba Gooding Jr: The 'Jerry Maguire' star, Reuters reported, was sued on Wednesday by two women whose sexual assault cases against the Oscar-winning actor underlay a criminal prosecution that ended with him pleading guilty but serving no jail time. In a complaint filed in a New York state court in Manhattan, Jasmine Abbay said Gooding forcibly kissed her without her consent in September 2018. The other plaintiff, Kelsey Harbert, accused Gooding of groping her in June 2019.

Jimmy Iovine: In a complaint filed in New York state court in Manhattan, a woman identified as 'Jane Doe' said she was sexually abused, forcibly touched and subject to sexual harassment and retaliation by Jimmy Iovine in August 2007. A spokesperson for Iovine said they were 'quite shocked and baffled' by the alleged claim, "This inquiry is the first we've heard of this matter." The woman is seeking unspecified damages for assault and battery under the Adult Survivors Act.

Russell Brand: Comedian and actor Russell Brand was accused of sexual assault, including an allegation of rape, by four women in September – based on media reports. Most recently, Reuters reported that UK police were investigating the comedian after claims of harassment and stalking. Brand denied the accusations on social media.

Antonio Reid: Celeb music executive Antonio Reid was accused of sexual assault and harassment by former staff in a lawsuit, NYT reported. The plaintiff, Drew Dixon, worked for Reid, leaving in 2002 after two alleged assault incidents and other attempts. Dixon’s case also falls under the Adult Survivors Act.

Steven Tyler: Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler was named in a new lawsuit, NYT reported. The plaintiff, Jeanne Bellino, alleged that the singer assaulted her when she was 17 in 1975. A former child model, Bellino claimed that she was groped and kissed against her will and suffered 'permanent emotional distress.' The singer is 75 now.