The case against former University of Southern California physician Dr. Dennis A. Kelly seems to be gaining steam–or plaintiffs, at least.
When the lawsuit was brought to the Los Angeles Superior Court in February, six male former USC students were accusing the 72-year-old doc of sexual misconduct. That plaintiff tally now stands at 21, according to an amended suit cited by City News Service.
Related: Man awarded $18.4 million after doctors completely botched his HIV test
The gay and bisexual John Does claim they were subjected to “intrusive and medically unnecessary rectal examinations” and “demeaning and derogatory” language about their sexualities, and asked inappropriate and invasive questions about their sex habits, including if they watched “internet porn” or if they hooked up with guys they met online.
“Plaintiffs are informed and believed, and thereon allege, that Dr. Kelly was targeting the gay and bisexual and male student population, all of whom were young adults and many of whom were visiting the doctor without a parent for the first time,” the lawsuit states.
Furthermore, the suit alleges that the now-retired doctor “did not treat heterosexual men in a similar manner and did not … perform rectal examinations on heterosexual men who had similar sexual practices.”
Related: Detective sued after forcing teen boy to masturbate as part of a ‘sexting’ investigation
USC is “aware of the lawsuit [and] concerned by its allegations,” according to a statement the university previously released.
“We’re working to understand the facts of this matter,” the statement added. “We care deeply about our entire Trojan family, including our LGBTQ community and take this matter very seriously. We will provide more information as it’s available.”
Kelly, who worked at the campus clinics for around two decades, has denied the allegations, calling the accusations against him “terribly hurtful.”
Related: USC doctor accused of forcing gay students to undergo “medically unnecessary rectal examinations”
Kangol
Oh, USC, not again! What is it with that school and sexual misconduct?
radiooutmike
I got a job at a hospital when I was in college. Part of the hiring process was that I needed a physical exam. I got this young resident. We had a normal exam, but at the end he told me that he wanted to check my prostate. I thought it weird, but said to do it.
He did it. It was professional and all, but I left there thinking, what just happened? And of course, he was cute.