A woman has filed a civil lawsuit against actor David Thornton, alleging that his son, rapper Declyn Lauper, sexually assaulted her at a Manhattan penthouse in November 2020. The legal action names Thornton as a defendant, claiming he facilitated the alleged assault by leasing the property where the incident purportedly occurred.
According to court documents filed on Monday, March 23, the unidentified plaintiff alleges that Declyn Lauper, 28, who performs under the stage name Dex, invited her to the New York City penthouse and provided transportation funds. The woman claims that upon arrival, an argument ensued when she declined to perform a sexual act.
The lawsuit details that when the woman attempted to leave, Declyn allegedly confiscated her mobile phone and threatened to destroy it unless she complied with his demands. The complaint further alleges that he physically restrained her on a bed and committed sexual assault.
The legal filing against Thornton, 72, centers on allegations that he enabled the assault by maintaining the lease on the penthouse despite purported knowledge of his son's history. The lawsuit claims Thornton was aware of Declyn's alleged violent and sexually abusive propensities, yet failed to take preventive measures.
The complaint references prior allegations made in 2018 by Brittney Taylor, identified as Declyn's former romantic partner, who reportedly accused him of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. The plaintiff asserts that Thornton had knowledge of these earlier accusations but did not restrict his son's access to the property or take supervisory action.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges awareness of prior settlements involving similar conduct, though specific details of these settlements were not disclosed in the available court documents.
The plaintiff seeks damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, humiliation, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem resulting from the alleged November 2020 incident. Representatives for both Thornton and Declyn Lauper have not yet issued public statements regarding the allegations.
This civil action emerges amid separate legal troubles for Declyn Lauper. Earlier this month, reports indicated he accepted a plea agreement related to a February 2024 criminal charge. He pleaded guilty to second-degree weapon possession in connection with a shooting incident in Upper Manhattan that resulted in another individual sustaining a leg injury. The plea deal reportedly spares him from incarceration on that charge.
Thornton is known for his role in the 1997 film Home Alone 3, while his wife, singer Cyndi Lauper, has not been named in the current lawsuit. The case underscores ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct and the potential liability of third parties who may have facilitated such conduct through property access or other means.
