A judge has thrown out a lawsuit that accused Warren Beatty of coercing a teenage girl into sex in 1973.
Kristina Hirsch filed a lawsuit against the actor in November 2022, alleging Beatty had coerced her into sex in 1973 when he was 35 and she was 14 and 15.
The suit did not list Beatty, now 86, by name but clearly referenced him. The defendant was referred to as “a renowned and well-known actor and producer” who was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Clyde in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde.
The suit was filed under a California law that opened a three-year “look-back window” for claims of child sexual abuse that would have been dismissed by the statute of limitations. The window closed on 1 January 2023.
Hirsch alleged that she met Beatty on a movie set in 1973, where he paid her “undue attention”, invited her to his hotel and made numerous comments about her virginity.
According to the suit, the defendant “used his position and status as an adult and a Hollywood movie star to coerce sexual contact with plaintiff on multiple occasions, including oral sex, simulated sex and finally coerced sexual intercourse with the minor child”.
The suit claims that Hirsch was “initially thrilled” by the defendant’s attention and believed herself to be in a romantic relationship with him.
On Friday, Beverly Hills superior court judge Edward B Moreton Jr dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
Moreton noted that Beatty had not been served with the complaint.
Hirsch was suing for damages for sexual battery and sexual assault, alleging she was suffering psychological and emotional distress and had “issues with trust and control” as a result of the alleged abuse.
Hirsch had initially been represented by Michael Reck and Michael Finnegan of the law firm of Jeff Anderson & Associates, but they withdrew from the case in August.
Moreton noted that Hirsch had not filed case management papers and was representing herself after failing to find new legal representation.
Beatty has yet to make any statement on the lawsuit. The Guardian has contacted him for comment.
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 802 9999. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
