Four women have come forward accusing actor Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct when they were teenagers, with allegations including sexual assault and statutory rape. The women, who were between 16 and 19 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, claim Leto used his celebrity status to groom and exploit them. One woman alleges she was sexually assaulted in a motel bathroom when she was 17.
The alleged incidents occurred between 2002 and 2016, when Leto was in his 30s and 40s. The women claim Leto made repeated sexually explicit phone calls, invited them to his hotel room or backstage at concerts, and in one case, suggested they have sex. Leto has denied all allegations, stating “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false”.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The allegations against Leto are not new, with over 120 separate claims made online relating to his behavior towards women. Last year, a Los Angeles DJ accused Leto of assaulting her when she was 17, prompting several other women to come forward with similar claims. The BBC has corroborated the women’s accounts with friends and family who were told about the encounters with Leto at the time.
Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, is set to tour mainland Europe and the UK next spring, with concerts at the O2 London and Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. The allegations against Leto have raised questions about his suitability to continue performing and acting. The women who have come forward hope that by sharing their stories, they can prevent others from being exploited by Leto.
Reactions and Implications
The allegations against Leto have sparked a wider conversation about the exploitation of young women by powerful men in the entertainment industry. The women who have come forward hope that their stories will be believed and that Leto will be held accountable for his actions. The incident has also raised questions about the role of non-disclosure agreements in silencing victims of sexual misconduct.
The incident has significant implications for the entertainment industry, highlighting the need for greater accountability and protection for young women. The women who have come forward have shown courage and determination in sharing their stories, and their actions may help to prevent similar incidents in the future.
