Judge Dismisses Assault Suit Against Kevin Liles

A federal judge in New York dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against former Def Jam Recordings president Kevin Liles on Monday, ruling that a 2005 settlement agreement with Universal Music Group barred the plaintiff from pursuing the claims.

The plaintiff, identified in court filings as Jane Doe, filed the suit in February alleging that Liles harassed her, made unwanted physical contact and assaulted her in 2002 while she worked as his executive assistant at the label. Liles, who served as president of Def Jam from 1999 to 2004, has denied the allegations, describing them as false. The case stemmed from events during his tenure at the company, which is owned by Universal Music Group.

U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald determined that the lawsuit could not proceed due to the prior settlement. In 2004, the plaintiff filed a complaint with New York state regulators, claiming she was fired in retaliation for reporting verbal harassment and inappropriate conduct by Liles. That complaint did not mention assault. Universal Music Group resolved the matter in 2005 by paying the plaintiff $47,500 without admitting wrongdoing. In exchange, she agreed to release all claims related...