Composer Danny Elfman sued for sexual assault and harassment

The renowned composer Danny Elfman is facing his second accusation of sexual misconduct this year.

A 47-year-old woman, under the pseudonym Jane Doe XX, has sued Elfman for sexual assault, gender violence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment and negligence.

In the lawsuit, the woman accused Elfman of sexually abusing her between 1997 and 2002, when she was 21 and Elfman was 47. It further explained that Elfman and Doe met at a house party and that Elfamn would expose his genitalia to her while walking around nude as it "was the only way he could work, be creative, and successful."

The lawsuit further alleges that while Doe was staying at his house looking for an apartment in Los Angeles, Elfman would sleep naked in the same bed next to her. She said that Elfman later told her, "Every time you have ever slept next to me, I would masturbate next to you."

Elfman responded to the lawsuit in a statement, calling it "baseless and absurd." Elfman said he would fight the allegations in court, while Doe's attorney maintained that she hopes to send a message to individuals who have "made efforts to destroy the lives of others who found the courage to speak up."

Elfman is most well-known for composing the score for numerous Tim Burton films, including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. Before his turn as a composer, he was also the lead singer in the eclectic rock band Oingo Boingo.

This is the second time this year Elfman has been accused of misconduct. In July, he was accused by musician and composer Nomi Abadi of failing to make payments under a settlement agreement, as a result of her accusing him of sexual harassment.

Doe's attorney also represents Abadi, and explained, "It’s important to this Jane Doe that Nomi knows she’s not alone anymore, that what was done to her by Elfman mirrors in so many ways what was done to Nomi."