Former Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow Faces Lawsuit Alleging Assault

An internationally known musician, who has previously graced the stage at Carnegie Hall, has filed a lawsuit against former CEO of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, alleging sexual assault.

The lawsuit claims that the assault took place during a meeting between the two in New York City in 2018, in which the victim states she was intermittently incapacitated after consuming a drink given to her by Portnow.

According to the lawsuit, the victim had met Portnow in early 2018 and had arranged a meeting to interview him at a hotel in New York City later that year. During the meeting, she alleges that Portnow gave her a drink that caused her to lose consciousness at times, after which the assault occurred.

A spokesperson for Neil Portnow, who served as the CEO of the Recording Academy until 2019, has vehemently denied the accusations. In an email statement, the spokesperson labeled the claims as “completely false” and suggested that the lawsuit was motivated by the victim’s “outrageous demands for money and assistance in obtaining a residence visa.”

The woman involved in the lawsuit claims that she initially contacted the Academy in late 2018 regarding the alleged incident. In response, the Recording Academy released a statement stating, “We continue to believe the claims to be without merit and intend to vigorously defend the Academy in this lawsuit.”

The allegations against Portnow first came to light in 2020, after he had stepped down as CEO. His successor, Deborah Dugan, who held the position for a brief period, spoke about the accusations against him when filing a complaint against the Academy.

The lawsuit now adds to the growing number of sexual harassment and assault allegations in the entertainment industry, prompting increased scrutiny and calls for accountability from influential figures in the field. The case is expected to progress through legal channels as the parties involved continue to exchange statements and legal proceedings.