29 May 2024 , 23:19
692
0
Cyndi Lauper's son, Declyn Lauper, was accused of sexual assault in a new lawsuit and the victim claimed she was spurred into action by the statute of limitations.
The woman, who is remaining anonymous, claimed to The Mirror: "I was definitely embarrassed. It took me a while to see myself as a victim because I am usually a strong person, so I was embarrassed. I did take in consideration the time limit for this and I think it was now or never to speak up for myself."
According to legal documents obtained by The Mirror, Lauper's son allegedly "negligently, wantonly, recklessly, intentionally, and knowingly sought to and did sexually assault and sexually abuse Plaintiff," citing an alleged violation of the New York City's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law.
READ MORE: Ben Affleck looks somber as he attends daughter's graduation party solo amid divorce rumours
She admitted that she was embarrassed to come forward (Corbis via Getty Images)The victim alleged that the incident took place on Nov. 9 2020 and, under the law, she has a limited time to come forward with her story. The original legislation put a statute of limitations of seven years with rare exceptions extending the statute to nine years. However, a recent amendment has created a window from March 1, 2023 to March 1 2025 for victims at any time to come forward, even if they are past the statute of limitations. Regardless, while the Plaintiff has time to come forward still, there is certainly a limit to that.
Gangsters ‘call for ceasefire’ after deadly Christmas Eve pub shooting
The Plaintiff alleged in the court documents that Declyn invited her to his apartment before demanding, under force, that she perform a sexual act on him. She claimed that he confiscated her cell phone and, after the incident, spewed slurs at her. Further, the victim claimed he apologized for what occurred while she was downstairs waiting for her ride share. She alleged that he attempted to contact her after, but she never saw him again.
The Plaintiff told The Mirror that she considers herself a "strong person" (Getty Images)According to the lawsuit, the Plaintiff claims she experienced "emotional and psychological damage" that "cannot be overstated: it has been profound and lasting." In a statement to The Mirror, she said: "After the assault, that’s when I went into a panic. I felt like my life was really in danger at that point."
Mark Shirian, attorney for the Plaintiff, told The Mirror: "This lawsuit seeks to hold Mr. Lauper accountable for the grievous harm inflicted upon our client. Our client deserves to have her voice heard and to seek the justice she rightfully deserves."
The Mirror contacted representatives for Cyndi Lauper and Declyn Lauper for comment.