John Travolta allegedly took a cruise in 2009, and a cruise employee claims that during the cruise Mr. Travolta asked him for a neck massage and then engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with the employee (California Penal Code 243.4 for Sexual Assault and Battery).

Travolta, through his lawyer vehemently denies the charges.

The cruise employee first claimed in 2009 that Travolta asked for a neck massage, and it appears the cruise employee agreed and provided Travolta with a neck massage. Apparently that was the extent of the allegations in 2009.

However, now in 2012, the employee has added that –in addition to providing Travolta with a neck massage –he was sexually assaulted by Mr. Travolta in some manner.

No criminal charges were ever filed against Mr. Travolta due to these allegations in 2009.

It is always interesting to read about these types of allegations. Anyone can accuse a person of sexual assault in our country, and anyone is free to retain a lawyer and to file a civil action to seek monetary damages. Often, allegations of this type happen when the alleged perpetrator is a celebrity, who the plaintiff knows has a lot of money. Additionally, this is done in an attempt to reach a monetary settlement regardless of the veracity of the accusations. Celebrities do not want adverse publicity. There probably can be no worse type of adverse publicity for someone like Travolta than a man claiming that Travolta sexually assaulted him.

However, clearly someone would have to look at these allegations with much suspicion. Why would the cruise employee wait three years to bring up the allegations of sexual misconduct? If the allegations were true, why didn’t he tell his superiors about them in 2009? Why does he wait three years to file a claim?

There is no evidence that Travolta has any prior history of engaging in similar conduct in the past. The cruise employee will have to convince a jury by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the allegations are true in order to prevail in his lawsuit.

Hopefully, Mr. Travolta will not settle; otherwise, many people will assume he did something wrong. On the other hand, if he goes to trial, it will cost him at least $100,000 in lawyer fees. Also, when the matter goes to trial, this issue will be brought forth in the media and will do further damage to Travolta’s otherwise stellar reputation.

Hopefully, Travolta stands his guns and fights this to the end if he is innocent of any wrongdoing. This could detract others who seek money from celebrities from trying this in the future.

For over 30 years, the Orange County sexual battery defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich have represented clients accused of sexual assault and inappropriate sexual conduct in Southern California. If you or a loved one is facing sexual battery charges (California Penal Code 243.4) in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties – please contact our professional team of criminal defense attorneys experienced in sexual battery cases at 888-280-6839.

We Will Be There When You Call.