Steven Tyler's long-running sexual assault lawsuit has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after a second judge stepped away from the case less than two weeks before it was due to go before a jury.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Patricia A. Young recused herself after disclosing a potential conflict to lawyers for Tyler and plaintiff Julia Misley. The parties were given an opportunity to waive the issue and allow Young to remain, but they failed to reach an agreement.
Her exit leaves the high-profile case needing a new judge just days before its planned 28 September trial.
Second Judge Leaves Steven Tyler Case
Young formally removed herself during a hearing on Tuesday, 15 September, after telling the parties that she had discovered grounds for her disqualification.
'As a result of the parties not waiving, I will officially disqualify,' Young told the court.
She also said she stopped taking further action once she became aware of the issue, leaving unresolved matters for whichever judge takes over the case.
Young is the second judge to leave the lawsuit. Judge Tamara Hall recused herself from the case on 20 September 2025, after which it was reassigned to Young.
Court documents show lawyers have now been ordered to appear before Supervising Judge Lawrence Riff at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse on Friday, 18 September. The hearing is expected to address the case's reassignment and whether it remains ready for trial.
Young indicated that the 28 September trial date would automatically come off the calendar following her recusal. Court records cited after the hearing, however, continued to list that date pending the upcoming status conference.
The trial had been expected to last between seven and 10 days.
What Does Julia Misley Allege Against Steven Tyler?
Misley, formerly known as Julia Holcomb, filed the lawsuit in December 2022 over an alleged relationship with the Aerosmith singer that began in the 1970s.
She alleges Tyler sexually abused and exploited her after they met in 1973, when she was 16 and he was 25.
The original lawsuit included claims of sexual battery, sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Most of Misley's claims were dismissed earlier this year after the court ruled that allegations involving conduct outside California could not proceed under California law.
One intentional infliction of emotional distress claim remains headed towards trial. That claim concerns alleged sexual activity involving Misley and Tyler at a California hotel and a public hot tub in 1974, when Misley was 16.
Misley alleges Tyler persuaded her mother to grant him guardianship when she was 16, allowing her to live and travel with him during their relationship.
Steven Tyler Denies Allegations
Tyler, now 78, has denied Misley's allegations and previously sought to have the lawsuit dismissed.
His lawyers have maintained that the relationship was consensual and have challenged whether California law could be applied to conduct that allegedly occurred in other states.
In April, Young rejected Tyler's attempt to end the case entirely but dismissed claims involving alleged conduct outside California, substantially narrowing what could reach a jury.
The sudden judicial shake-up now leaves the remaining claim facing another procedural hurdle just as the case appeared ready for trial.
Neither Tyler nor Misley's legal teams had publicly commented on Young's recusal as of the latest reporting.
Friday's hearing could determine who becomes the third judge assigned to the case and, crucially, whether the trial can still proceed this month or will be pushed to a later date.
