Rhye's Michael Milosh Sued for Sexual Battery, Infliction of Emotional Distress

Milosh's ex-wife, Alexa Nikolas, says in a lawsuit that the artist "preyed on the innocence of a minor fan to manipulate and coerce her into succumbing to his repeated sexual assaults of her"

Photo: Genevieve Medow Jenkins

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Aug 26, 2021

Rhye's Michael Milosh has been sued by actor and ex-wife Alexa Nikolas for sexual battery, gender violence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, violation of California's Tom Bane Civil Rights Act and negligence.

The A.V. Club and TMZ report that the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, finds Nikolas alleging that Milosh "preyed on the innocence of a minor fan to manipulate and coerce her into succumbing to his repeated sexual assaults of her."

The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Government of Canada's Sexual Misconduct Support Tool to find resources in your area.

The former outlet notes that many of the allegations in the suit mirror those previously detailed by Nikolas in an open letter published in March. Those include grooming, sexual assault, physical abuse and financial manipulation.

The A.V. Club reports Nikolas alleges in the suit that Milosh "utilized his power of authority and seniority over [Nikolas], as well as years of sexual grooming of [Nikolas] as a minor child, to manipulate her into trusting him. Upon gaining her trust, Defendant Milosh terrorized, sodomized, and abused [Nikolas] as part of his continuous conduct aimed at satisfying his prurient and economic desires."

The suit also notes that "record labels, management companies, and other corporate entities enabled Milosh by supporting him financially and ratifying his misconduct despite knowledge that Nikolas was a minor and continuing to suffer abuse even after the age of majority."

It is also alleged in the lawsuit that members of Milosh's team were aware of his treatment of Nikolas, outlined as follows [via The A.V. Club]:

In 2013, Milosh released his fourth solo album "Jetlag" under the label Deadly Records, owned and operated by Milosh alone. Milosh used recordings of Nikolas during sex throughout the album, including a specific recording of her saying "no" in response to his attempt to anally penetrate her. At the album release party, Milosh displayed his photographic "art" to the guests which consisted of huge photographs of Nikolas, completely naked. These photographs were not modest in nature, but rather, displayed Nikolas' young naked body for all to see. Nikolas did not consent to the use of naked photographs of herself to be used in public in this manner. During the party, Milosh proudly told attendees of the party that they were listening to Nikolas during coerced anal sex throughout his entire album. Not surprisingly, Milosh did not disclose to his guests that he obtained these recordings when Nikolas was highly intoxicated and incapable of refusing. Nikolas' own mother left the party in disgust.

Individuals from Innovative Leisure, Polydor, BIZ3, Loma Vista, and KCRW Public Radio were in attendance at this party, with prior knowledge of the foundation of the deceitful relationship which was rooted in childhood sexual assault. On information and belief, these industry professionals lauded Milosh in his "art" with reckless disregard to the severe psychological damage suffered by Nikolas.


Exclaim! has sent a request for comment to representatives for Milosh.

In a previous statement shared following the publication of Nikolas' open letter, Milosh called the allegations "simply a piece of revisionist fiction," deeming the accusations "character assassination."

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