A woman is suing former Saturday Night Live star Horatio Sanz for sexual assault. She’s filed an amended complaint seeking to add Jimmy Fallon, Lauren Michaels, and Tracy Morgan as defendants. The lawsuit raises questions about the show’s culture and the potential liability of those present during the alleged events.
Entertainment attorney Metra Aoran joined Law & Crime’s Sidebar podcast to discuss the case’s implications. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that Sanz engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with her when she was a minor. The alleged incidents occurred at after-parties for Saturday Night Live in the early 2000s.
Doe was a teenager at the time and an avid fan of the show. The lawsuit claims that Sanz was aware of her age and that other prominent figures, including Fallon, Michaels, and Morgan, witnessed the alleged misconduct.
The amended complaint details a pattern of behavior that points to a toxic culture at SNL, one where underage drinking and sexual exploitation were commonplace. Doe claims that these parties were widely known in New York City for their wild atmosphere and that NBC, the network that airs SNL, fostered this environment.
One of the most shocking elements of the lawsuit is a quote attributed to Tracy Morgan, who allegedly described the after-parties as having “strippers and girls” who would “do shows.” He allegedly went on to describe sexual acts taking place openly.
The lawsuit raises serious questions about the responsibility of employers for the actions of their employees, particularly in settings like these after-parties that were, at the very least, endorsed by NBC. If the lawsuit is successful, it could have far-reaching implications for how companies handle liability in similar situations.
The case hinges on whether those named in the lawsuit, including Fallon, Michaels, and Morgan, were simply present during these events or whether they played a more active role in enabling Sanz’s alleged behavior. The lawsuit alleges that their presence and silence contributed to a culture that allowed this alleged abuse to continue.
NBC has attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, but the case is ongoing. If it proceeds, it could have a significant impact on the careers of those involved.
This case highlights the complexities of sexual assault allegations, particularly those that surface years after the alleged events. It also shines a light on the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry and the need for greater accountability.
