A second woman has stepped forward with sexual assault allegations against Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning composer Danny Elfman, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter. In documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe XX, a 47-year-old Maryland resident, claims that Elfman sexually assaulted her between 1997 and 2002. Elfman and his company have responded by suing Musica de la Muerta, alleging sexual assault, gender-based violence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment, and negligence.
A representative for Danny Elfman described the accusations as baseless and absurd, adding that his legal team is evaluating all options and intends to defend the case vigorously in court. The statement notes that the plaintiff met Elfman at a party in April 1997 when he was a 47-year-old industry figure and she was 21, while Elfman was a student at the New York Film Academy. He reportedly began inviting her to industry events and seeking her opinions on films, positioning her as an adviser and protégé in his orbit.
Over the following five years, the plaintiff contends there were incidents of harassment when the two were alone. At one point, Elfman allegedly removed all of his clothing, stood naked before her, and exposed himself, telling her that such exposure was necessary to work and be creative and successful. The plaintiff says that due to Elfman’s prominence in the entertainment industry, she felt compelled to comply with his demands at all times and believed such behavior was tied to the progression of their professional relationship.
Claims record that Elfman brought Jane Doe XX to a cast and crew meeting for Good Will Hunting and to a voice-over session at Sony, and in 1998 invited her to stay at his Topanga Canyon home for several weeks while he arranged his own residence in the Los Angeles area. The plaintiff alleges that she sometimes shared a bed with Elfman, noting that she did not disrobe and mostly slept while Elfman slept naked beside her. She states that around 2002 Elfman told her that he had masturbated next to her whenever she slept beside him, after which she ended the relationship.
The lawsuit mirrors another action involving the same composer, that of Nomi Abadie, who filed suit in July according to court documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. Abadie’s 2018 lawsuit alleged that Elfman exposed himself and masturbated in her presence on multiple occasions without consent. The broader pattern described in these filings highlights allegations of coercive conduct occurring in professional settings within Elfman’s circle and raises questions about the dynamics of power and consent in the entertainment industry.
Various filings have outlined the context in which the plaintiff says she felt pressure or fear, given Elfman’s high status and influence. The documents describe a professional relationship that evolved into a power dynamic where issues of consent and personal boundaries reportedly went unaddressed for years. The case is part of a broader public conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry and the ways in which allegations of misconduct are handled within court proceedings and in civil actions. The Hollywood Reporter provides ongoing coverage of these developments as new legal steps are taken and more information becomes available to the court. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Observers note that civil suits of this nature seek damages and remedial relief while also aiming to establish a record that could influence ongoing or future professional opportunities within the industry. While the parties have chosen the courtroom to resolve questions of responsibility, the broader discussion continues to focus on the responsibilities of senior figures in creative fields to uphold appropriate professional standards and to respect the autonomy and safety of colleagues and collaborators. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Analysts caution that the allegations, still subject to court proceedings, require careful scrutiny of the evidence and context presented by both sides. As the case unfolds, the public conversation may intersect with other legal matters involving Elfman and related entities, prompting questions about how such disputes are resolved and what protections exist for workers who report misconduct. The Hollywood Reporter continues to monitor the situation as it develops, providing updates grounded in court records and official statements. (The Hollywood Reporter)