Bob Dylan accused of sexually abusing 12-year-old girl in 1965
A woman has claimed she was groomed and sexually assaulted 56 years ago by Bob Dylan when she was a child, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.
In the lawsuit, filed Friday in New York, the alleged victim -- who identified herself as J.C. -- claimed the now 80-year-old singer, whose real name is Robert Allen Zimmerman, took advantage of her at his Chelsea Hotel apartment in 1965 when she was 12 years old.
J.C. alleged that Dylan "exploited his status as a musician" to gain her trust and began to groom her "as part of his plan to sexually molest and abuse" her.
The alleged victim claimed in the suit that Dylan "befriended and established an emotional connection" with her during a six-week period between April and May 1965 "to lower her inhibitions with the object of sexually abusing her, which he did, coupled with the provision of drugs, alcohol and, threats of physical violence, leaving her emotionally scarred and psychologically damaged to this day."
J.C. claims she was sexually abused "multiple times" by the singer, which has allegedly caused "permanent and lasting" anxiety and depression. She claims to have sought medical treatment over the years due to the mental toll, which "incapacitated [her] from attending her regular activities."
A spokesman for Dylan denied the account and told ABC News in a statement, "This 56-year-old claim is untrue and will be vigorously defended."
The alleged victim is requesting a jury trial and seeks unspecified damages for the charges of assault, battery, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit was filed one day before the window closed on New York’s Child Victims Act, which over the past two years has allowed alleged survivors to file lawsuits concerning claims of child sex crimes that otherwise would have been barred by the statute of limitations.
If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault and is seeking resources, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
