Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Former Recording Academy CEO Dismissed at Accuser’s Request

Last week, on Friday, May 17, a federal judge dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against former Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow, according to court records viewed by Pitchfork. The judge—Analisa Torres, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York—dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, meaning the case can be refiled.

The lawsuit was dismissed after the plaintiff, a woman identified as JAA Doe, asked the court to throw out the case. Doe, who had alleged that Portnow assaulted her in New York in 2018, cited the sudden resignation of her attorney and concerns that a court would grant a motion by the prosecution to reveal her identity, among the reasons she wanted her complaint dismissed.

In a statement shared with Pitchfork, Portnow called Doe’s claims “false and without merit,” and said, “I look forward to moving on with my life and continuing to work on meaningful projects.”

When reached by Pitchfork, JAA Doe’s former lawyers declined to comment. Pitchfork has also reached out to representatives for the Recording Academy.