Bob Dylan Sued For Alleged Sexual Abuse Of 12-Year-Old Girl In 1965

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/CNN) -- A Minnesota music legend is accused of sexually abusing a child back in the 1960s.

CNN reports that a lawsuit filed in New York claims Bob Dylan abused a 12-year-old girl multiple times in 1965. Dylan was 23 years old at the time.

The lawsuit says Dylan, who grew up in Hibbing, spent weeks befriending the girl. He then allegedly used drugs, alcohol and threats to sexually assault her.

Attorneys for the victim that Dylan befriended J.C. "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," the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit further claims that Dylan used his status as a famous musician by "grooming J.C. to gain her trust and to obtain control over her" and alleges that he sexually abused her "at certain times" in his apartment at the Hotel Chelsea in New York City.

When reached by CNN, an attorney for J.C. declined to say how she came to meet Dylan and would not elaborate on the nature of sexual abuse claims.

Dylan's spokesperson says the claims are not true.

Dylan, who was born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, turned 80 on May 24.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. CNN contributed to this report.)