Heather Taylor has refiled her sexual assault lawsuit against Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, reviving allegations that date back more than two decades. The renewed legal action is now moving forward under California Assembly Bill 250, a newly enacted law that reopens adult sexual assault claims that were previously blocked by statutes of limitation.
Taylor’s new filing comes nearly three years after she voluntarily dismissed her original 2023 complaint. This time, however, the legal landscape has changed in her favor. Assembly Bill 250, which took effect on January 1, 2026, created a fresh window allowing survivors to pursue civil claims that had previously expired under time limits.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Taylor made clear that her earlier dismissal should not be mistaken for surrender.
“If anyone thought my prior dismissal was a retreat, they vastly miscalculated my stamina,” she said. “Now that I have the law in my favor, I’m seeking justice.”
Taylor’s lawsuit centers on an incident she says occurred in 2003, during a helicopter flight involving Tommy Lee. According to the complaint, Taylor alleges that Lee sexually assaulted her during the flight. The newly refiled lawsuit closely mirrors the allegations contained in her original 2023 filing.
The updated complaint includes multiple legal claims, including:
- Sexual battery
- Gender violence
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligence
Taylor’s attorneys argue that the alleged assault has had a lasting psychological and emotional impact, shaping her personal and professional life for years. The filing asserts that the trauma stemming from the incident continues to affect her well-being long after the event itself.
Why the Case Is Moving Forward Now
For years, Taylor’s claims were legally barred by California’s statute of limitations. That changed with the passage of Assembly Bill 250, which reopened a legal window for survivors of adult sexual assault to bring forward civil lawsuits that were previously time-barred.
The law reflects a broader national trend aimed at expanding access to justice for survivors whose cases were never heard in court due to procedural deadlines rather than evidentiary review. Under AB 250, individuals now have a limited opportunity to pursue civil claims, even if the alleged incidents occurred decades earlier.
Taylor’s legal team says the new law directly enabled her to refile her case and seek accountability through the court system.
Taylor initially filed her lawsuit in 2023 but later voluntarily dismissed it without prejudice. At the time, no public explanation was given for the decision, and it effectively paused the legal process.
Her recent statement suggests that the dismissal was strategic rather than a sign of defeat.
“If anyone thought my prior dismissal was a retreat, they vastly miscalculated my stamina,” Taylor said, underscoring that she never intended to abandon her claims permanently.
With the legal framework now changed, Taylor has made clear she intends to pursue the case fully.
The refiled lawsuit places renewed scrutiny on Tommy Lee, one of rock’s most high-profile and controversial figures. While Lee has not yet publicly responded to the new filing, the case is likely to draw intense attention given his celebrity status and the broader cultural conversations surrounding accountability in the entertainment industry.
The lawsuit also serves as an early test case for how Assembly Bill 250 will be applied in practice. Legal observers are watching closely to see how courts handle revived claims under the new statute and what precedents may emerge.
With the case now officially refiled, the court will determine whether Taylor’s claims proceed to discovery and, potentially, trial. Lee’s legal team is expected to respond formally in the coming weeks.
For Taylor, the renewed filing represents more than a legal maneuver — it is a continuation of a long effort to have her allegations heard on their merits.
“Now that I have the law in my favor, I’m seeking justice,” she said.
As the case moves forward, it is poised to become one of the most closely watched civil lawsuits in the rock world in years, with implications extending far beyond the individuals directly involved.
