PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA
Seattle Office: (206) 462-4334 | Tacoma Office: (253) 777-0799 | New York Office: (212) 300-2444
PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA

Kevin Liles (Def Jam, Universal Music Group)

A Call for Witnesses: Survivors of Alleged Abuser Kevin Liles

Our law firm, Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC, is actively pursuing justice in a case involving serious allegations of sexual misconduct by a prominent music industry executive. We are reaching out today to call on witnesses and any individuals with relevant information or experiences similar to those alleged in this lawsuit.

We represent a victim who has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and rape—allegations that center on misconduct perpetrated by Kevin Liles. While the details of the case focus on unacceptable behavior occurring in a workplace setting, our primary goal is to secure justice and accountability for the harm suffered. If you have information about allegations of abuse perpetrated by Kevin Liles, contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

Who is Kevin Liles?

Kevin Liles is a highly influential music industry executive renowned for his groundbreaking work with Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group (UMG).

At Def Jam, Kevin Liles played a pivotal role in shaping the label’s creative and commercial vision. His leadership contributed to launching and nurturing the careers of numerous iconic hip-hop and R&B artists, solidifying Def Jam’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential record labels in the world.

Following his tenure at Def Jam, Liles continued to make his mark at UMG. His strategic insight and industry expertise helped drive UMG’s global expansion and success. Under his guidance, the company not only broadened its artist roster but also embraced new trends in music distribution and marketing, reinforcing its status as a leader in the music business.

What is Kevin Liles accused of?

Kevin Liles is accused of engaging in a pattern of severe sexual misconduct. According to allegations made by a former employee, these include:

  • Sexual Harassment: Repeatedly making inappropriate, derogatory, and degrading comments.
  • Physical Assault: Allegedly using his position to force unwanted physical contact.
  • Rape: Accusations include instances where non-consensual sexual acts were committed against a subordinate.

These serious allegations paint a picture of an abuse of power during his tenure in senior executive roles at prominent music industry organizations, including Def Jam Recordings and Universal Music Group. While these claims remain allegations, they underscore the urgent need for accountability and further investigation into the matter.

PCVA is seeking anyone who may have information about Mr. Liles and allegations of abuse or sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know may have pertinent information, please use our online form to contact us.

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How often do moguls sexually abuse their employees?

Relationships where there is an inherent power differential, such as teacher and student or coach and player, are sometimes exploited by the party who has more authority, resulting in sexual abuse. Given the often tremendous imbalance of knowledge and power between an influential media mogul and their employee, this applies to that relationship as well.

Determining the exact frequency of sexual abuse by moguls is challenging because these incidents are severely underreported. Power imbalances often create environments where victims fear retaliation or damage to their careers, leading many cases to remain hidden. While research indicates that workplaces dominated by influential figures can foster conditions where abuse is more likely, precise statistics are difficult to obtain. Every reported case, however, underscores the urgent need for accountability and systemic change to protect employees from such abuses of power.

How does sexual abuse impact people?

Even if there is no outward injury to the body, sexual abuse can have serious psychological effects.

The effects of sexual violence can include:

  • Issues with trust
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Flashbacks
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Dissociation
  • Panic attacks
  • Substance abuse
  • Disordered sleep
  • Sexual dysfunction

These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships and enjoy their lives the way they used to. Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive, and obtaining treatment after sexual abuse by a medical provider can prove difficult.

Who is responsible for Kevin Liles’ alleged sexual abuse?

Kevin Liles is the alleged perpetrator, but we also hold Def Jam and UMG responsible. These companies are accused of failing to supervise him adequately and of creating an environment that allowed his behavior to occur unchecked.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New York if I was sexually assaulted or abused?

New York law permits filing lawsuits related to sexual abuse within three years of the date of the abuse.  In addition, if the abuse occurred as a minor, the survivor has until they reach the age of 55 to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and an institution if:

  • The abuse occurred after 2018, or
  • They were under the age of 21 as of February 14, 2018

Adult survivors had until November 23, 2023 to file under the Adult Survivors Act. There is legislative discussion about possibly reopening the window in the future or future statutory reform.

Given the complexity of these timelines for filing, we are happy to speak to you about your options and rights.

Can I come forward or sue anonymously if I’m worried about my privacy?

Most likely. The law usually allows attorneys to file lawsuits on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse using a pseudonym, like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe,” or our client’s initials. Moreover, it may be possible to resolve your case privately without filing a lawsuit or going to court.

How can survivors receive damages for sexual abuse?

Our attorneys have been involved in some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country and are often consulted by other law firms for guidance and expertise when representing sexual abuse survivors. We take a trauma-informed approach to our representation that acknowledges the sensitive nature of these cases.

Every case is different and results – which depend on the facts of the case – cannot be guaranteed. However, we will fight to hold accountable the institutions and individuals who failed to protect survivors. Through our efforts, we have helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of abuse survivors. While no amount of monetary compensation can erase the trauma of abuse, the financial assistance can help pay for necessary expenses to allow the healing process to begin.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault at the hands of Kevin Liles, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (253) 777-0799 or (206) 462-4334.

How much do you charge?

Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.

Our Case Results

PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages from healthcare institutions that employed healthcare professionals who abused their positions of authority to sexually assault patients. Most recently, we are pursuing dozens of claims against notorious sexual predator and former New York City urologist Dr. Darius Paduch. You can learn more about this case and its most recent developments here.

Some additional results we have achieved for our clients are listed below.

Confidential Settlements Reached in Pediatric Endocrinologist Sexual Abuse Case Against Rockefeller University Hospital
$8M Settlement Reached in Foss Home and Village Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$7.5M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Black Hills Football Club
$4.9M Settlement Reached in Toutle River Boys Ranch Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$4.2M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against University Place School District
$1.4M Settlement Reached in Washington Department of Social and Health Services Foster Services Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of Dr. Dennis Feihel, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (253) 777-0799 or (206) 462-4334.