Afrika Bambaataa Faces Default Judgment in Sex Trafficking Lawsuit
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By Anya schmidt | NEW YORK – 2025/05/25 08:33:10
A New York judge has issued a default judgment against hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa, whose legal name is Lance Taylor, in a sex trafficking lawsuit filed in 2021. The plaintiff, identified as John Doe, accused Bambaataa of sexual abuse and sex trafficking during the early 1990s.
The lawsuit, filed in the summer of 2021, alleged that the abuse occurred between 1991 and 1995, when John Doe was between the ages of 12 and 16 and Afrika Bambaataa was in his early thirties.Because LANCE TAYLOR,known as Afrika bambaataa,did not respond to the lawsuit,Judge Alexander M. Tisch ruled in favor of the plaintiff. According to court records, the judge granted a default judgment “without opposition.”
The court has ordered an assessment of damages against Lance Taylor,to be determined by a Special Referee. Attempts to reach Bambaataa and his representatives for comment have been unsuccessful. Attorneys Hugo G. Ortega and Rehan Nazrali, representing John Doe, have also been contacted for comment.
John Doe’s lawsuit followed similar allegations made by Ronald Savage in 2016, who claimed that Afrika Bambaataa sexually abused him in the 1980s. Bambaataa has denied all allegations of abuse, calling them “baseless” and “false.” Following Savage’s accusations, several other men came forward with similar claims. Bambaataa has largely remained out of the public eye since the initial allegations surfaced.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The default judgment means that the court has accepted the plaintiff’s claims as true due to the defendant’s failure to respond. The next step involves determining the amount of damages that Bambaataa will be required to pay John Doe. This process will involve a hearing before a Special Referee, who will evaluate the evidence and make a suggestion to the court.
“An assessment of damages against defendant Lance Taylor shall be referred to a Special referee for inquest.”
This case highlights the ongoing legal and social reckoning surrounding allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct, particularly within the entertainment industry.
Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Support is available for individuals affected by sexual assault. The following resources offer assistance and guidance:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org, 1-800-656-HOPE
- Crisis Text Line: text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a default judgment?
- A default judgment is a ruling entered by a court against a defendant who fails to appear in court or respond to a lawsuit.
- What happens after a default judgment is issued?
- The court will proceed to determine the damages owed to the plaintiff.This may involve a hearing or other proceedings to assess the extent of the harm suffered.
- What resources are available for survivors of sexual assault?
- organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the Crisis Text Line provide support and resources for survivors of sexual assault.
