A boy bander/Disney star just filed a lawsuit against his former manager and several other industry execs for allegedly committing or abetting in child rape and sexual assault.
Ricky Garcia is a former X Factor contestant and a member of Forever in Your Mind, a boy band formed in 2013 that has released two EPs and nine singles to date.
In a lawsuit filed yesterday with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, 20-year-old Garcia claims his “meteoric rise” as a recording artist was stunted when a group of powerful Hollywood execs preyed on him, beginning when he was just 12 years old.
In the lawsuit, Garcia, who has also appeared in over 30 episodes on Disney Channel’s “Best Friends Whenever,” alleges his ex-manager Joby Harte raped and sexually assaulted him “dozens of times” throughout his teenage years.
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Not only that, but Harte groomed him to be a “sexual plaything that could be passed around to his friends in the business.”
Garcia also mentions former Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) agent Tyler Grasham, who he alleges made sexually aggressive comments towards him and sucked his toes.
In 2017, Grasham made headlines after he was fired from APA amid a flurry of sexual misconduct allegations from multiple young men.
According to TMZ, Garcia claims Harte invited him to a two-night “songwriting” session in 2014 on Catalina Island where he was supplied with tequila and vodka and blacked out. When he awoke, he was naked in Harte’s bed.
Also, for this 17th birthday, Garcia claims Harte got into the shower with him at a hotel and “forced him to masturbate” until Harte had an orgasm. Garcia didn’t report the abuse because out of fear it would negatively impact his career.
“Defendant Harte, the ringleader, employed the well-worn pedophile playbook of grooming and seduction,” Garcia’s complaint reads. “He targeted an economically and emotionally vulnerable pre-teen and his parents.”
In addition to Harte and Grasham, the lawsuit names Hot Rock Media, Cohen/Thomas Management and its partners Sheri Andersen Thomas and Paul Cohen, and APA.
Garcia alleges the companies are partly responsible for the abuse he suffered because they fostered “a sexually abusive culture in their offices” and didn’t do anything to prevent it happening, even though they were likely aware it was happening and had also happened to others in the past.
Related: Trace Lysette survived the #MeToo era to become an emerging trans Hollywood star
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
“meteoric rise”??
JoseGonzalez1647
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Catholicslutbox
I can see it being true.
karl schroeder
We have to take what he says at face value – otherwise we are sinking back into the old disbelieving ways of the past he so much damage was done to children. However, we also have to ask for any evidence available – we also don’t want to be demonizing people who don’t deserve it.
The problem might be that it is one person’s word against another person’s word – that would be unsatisfactory. I guess it’s a question of watching this space.
ShiningSex
the person accused has been accused numerous times. I don’t think it’s demonizing an innocent person. Sounds legit. We need to believe the victims FIRST!!!
MacAdvisor
We shouldn’t just believe the accuser or the accused. We have these things called trials that seek out evidence and establish the facts. There isn’t any need to rush to judgment. We don’t ignore the accuser, we listen carefully and give him the space he needs. We don’t run out and condemn the accused, but hear him and his response. We allow the process to run its course and establish the facts.
rustyiam
@ shining why do we have to believe the “ victim” first?
Jimmyk321
No, 2% of sexual assault victims lied. 2%. You need help.
iron
rampant behavior to underage. where were his guardians? another Wienstine
Bryguyf69
I don’t know if it’s true, but I’m always troubled when there is no evidence. In this age of smartphones, it doesn’t take a genius to record evidence. And he had many years to do so. Yes, even a 12 y/o knows how to set a phone to record video — or at the very least, audio. And even if he claims that he was too young and naive to realize that a crime was committed — indeed, many victims say that they enjoyed the sex at the time — Garcia could have entrap the alleged abusers later, when he did realize that he was victimized. A church abuse victim did just that. He called the priest many years later, and recorded a conversation where the priest talked about the encounters.
So far, it seems like Garcia has nothing. In this case, the lack of evidence suggests the lack of a crime. Yes, there was probably some flirting and even inappropriate behavior, but probably not to the extent he claims.
rray63
I’d never heard of this kid until I saw this story.
RIGay
I remember the story, but this kinda went dark after it first hit the news. Glad it’s still moving forward and perhaps this kid will make an impact.
I hate predators, especially those who take advantage of much younger, in this case, children for their personal pleasure. I look at the Kevin Spaceys’ who got acquitted and can walk free while these kids live damaged lives as a result.
Rape is rape. Non consensual, forced.
Grandolphrz
He says he was “raped and sexually assaulted him “dozens of times” throughout his teenage years”. That means in the butt? Does the sucking his toes count as a sexual assault? He also says, “Harte groomed him to be a “sexual plaything that could be passed around to his friends in the business.” Was he just groomed, or did he actually become a sexual plaything? This part is confusing. “Garcia claims Harte got into the shower with him at a hotel and “forced him to masturbate” until Harte had an orgasm”. Did Garcia have to masturbate Harte?
ShiningSex
you sound like you details of a pedo act? gross.
RIGay
These men used their power and wealth over this kid, perhaps trying to convince him that being a plaything was “how everyone got ahead in the business”.
Interesting – the story mentions he was affiliated with Disney; I wonder if those execs are also part of the scheme? You look at the likes of Jeffry Epstein who had homes all around the country just to bring in young girls and “groom” them for his executive clientele. This is the same thing – this kid was swept up by some predator to be “groomed” as a sex toy for other wealthy men.
happiness17
Sounds like you got off reading this article.
edwardnvirginia
He/she/they/ze was a child, of course, without a sound rational mind but it is always shocking to hear queer people – or anyone – say that they are willing to be abused ‘because it might hurt their career’. What sort of filthy self-image and lack of moral conscience allows a queer person – or anyone – think this way, knowing that very likely others are also be abused? Shouldn’t queer community be DEMANDING EVERYONE TO TELL THE DIRTY SECRETS of other queer people who abuse them? Queer people have too long been acculturated to accept abuse and not to tell. TELL ALL. TELL ALL THE FILTHY THINGS THAT QUEERTY EXECS do, etc!
Jimmyk321
Yeah, let’s blame the teenager who was raped. You’re disgusting.
ShiningSex
More need to come out and tell the abuse.
I am sure a lot of closeted gay teens and young adults are taken advantage of. It’s quite sad and disgusting how many people seem to take the side of the criminal.
Juanjo
Some pretty horrendous comments here. Miss Iama Douchebag leads off as usual. The dismissals of the young man since the old queen posting “never heard” of the young man comes in second. The fact is that the allegations have been made and they need to be taken seriously. That does not mean we accept them as absolutely true without any possibility of being refuted but it does mean that the allegations are investigated in a serious fashion. Allegations like this have been made in the past against different people including some named here by other young men in the music industry. So it is not like this has not an issue that has never been raised ever.
And yes, Grandpa Simpson, sexual assault does not necessarily mean anal sex. Sexual assault is any offensive touching of a sexual nature. So sucking someone’s toes as a method of the person committing the assault enjoying some sort of sexual titillation or gratification is a sexual assault. Speaking of sexual titillation – your obsession with wanting to know all the sordid details indicates you are confusing this article with a description of a porn movie.
azjeff17
It’s totally despicable to take advantage of anyone, especially underage children. This always brings shame to, and perpetuates stereotypes of our community.
oldgayguy
While these types of stories obviously will help to discourage pedofilia amongest those who have sufficient assests to be worth suing a more positive outcome would be if more young people come to realize that having sex with those in power positions is no way to advance your career and will start saying no. I have no problem believing the stories of people who were abused sexually but it would be refreshing to hear the victims admit some degree of regret for their own actions. Nevertheless I realize given the nature of the legal system which only recognizes winners and losers the act of taking on any responsibility for your abuse is a losing strategy.
rbarker1159
Ok here’s how it works. yes rape is bad and sexual assault shouldn’t be tolerated on any level. but when he was a young kid, he was dependent on this man to advance his career which was done. this is how it is all the time in Hollywood.. he could have at any point said something but he did not.. he waited until now he’s 20 and no one has ever heard of him and he’s career is failing and he has no deals that he now decides to speak up. It’s the same with so many women who were unfairly treated in the past. .they said nothing when it was to their advantage.. but later on when they are out of money and desperate for something they decide to say something. will this kid give back all the money that he has made.. of course not.
happiness17
You’ve got this all figured out! Or at least you think you do. Don’t put yourself in someone else’s shoes unless you’ve been there. What the hell does the article have to do with him giving all the money back ? Or women who were treated unfairly in the past? Absolutely nothing! If you’re going to leave such a comment you need to read the article.
Brian
What money do you think he’s made? I can guarantee you that his contract has him about one step above indentured servitude. He’s gotten a per diem and nothing more. In fact, since his boy band was a complete bust, I’m sure he is in the red for expenses to the management company, so if any real money ever did come in (it won’t), he wouldn’t get that either.
Also, he’s barely out of his teens. Did you expect him to do this when he was 15? This is actually a really bold step for someone his age to be taking. Give him the credit he deserves for having the strength to do it. Most his age still wouldn’t be ready to.
bowlingbutch
We have to listen to both sides of any story. The person who accused Spacey didn’t have what he needed to convict Spacey. He stayed around for minutes without complaining, took pics and texted them and then got rid of the phone. He thought he would get some money just by accusing.
Jimmyk321
2% of sexual assault reports are false. 2%. You’re a piece of shit.
rustyiam
Grow up jimbo you narrow minded turf!
Brian
I don’t believe that Kevin’s accuser was at all traumatized by his encounter with Kevin. I think he was flattered and starstruck and this was a money grab for sure.
But I also absolutely believe that Kevin did what he was accused of. Sometimes both sides can be gross people.
frankcar1965
Ignorant Jimmy, what evidence do you have for this 2%? We have a thing called innocent until proved guilty, it’s part of the law you see. We do not just put someone in prison on the word of someone, you need evidence. Twit.
controversial2019
Rape is rape; you can’t help it if someone rapes you.
You can, however, dictate whether you take your shoes off/allow them to be taken off, take your socks off/allow them to be taken off, and have your toes sucked.
Given how much consent needs to be provided for the toe bit to take place, I don’t think he can claim assault for that. If true, it would (rightly) still go down as being wrong due to his alleged age at the time…but there was clearly consent given for the toe scenario.
Jimmyk321
You’ve obviously never heard of intimidation or fear. You’re blaming the victim, you’re low life scum.
Brian
You need to learn the definition of consent. It certainly doesn’t apply in the case of a minor being touched in a sexual way by a person in a position of power over him. Get real.
kevininbuffalo
A minor can’t give consent according to the law.
Hussain-TheCanadian
Jesus people, alot of you are jumping to conclusions about what happen (or didnt happen) to this young man, we need more info.
I suggest you all scroll up and read what MacAdvisor said.
dhmonarch89
Harte is currently Shazam star Asher Angel’s manager- Angel just turned 17 this week
Gay Veteran
We know about the Brian Singers of the world. We know how these industry big wigs like to groom young Hollywood hopefuls. It’s disgusting! I’m inclined to believe Ricky and I hope he takes his abusers down.
Doctor Benway
Gosh, he got raped but didn’t even became famous, what a waste of time.
Bob LaBlah
Sweetheart, you make accusations like this when you are on the top, not when your star is in free fall and have no idea where the bottom of the earth is. Hope you saved your money because your twink looks weren’t all that great to begin with and they will soon be over.
arie570
I agree rape is rape and I’m not sure if he was 17 or 18 when this occurred but did he consent at the time? Doesnt make it right but you know many starlets did what they needed to, to become a star and that was there choice. I would like to know if he was the age of consent 17 in some places and if originally had accepted it but now came out about it being abuse. I am truly sorry if this had anything to do against his will…..but
Rex Huskey
where were his parents/guardians?….just asking. i think the kid is queer for sure and always has been. At 12, I was def closeted and shy, but I wasn’t in “Hollywood”. I think he’s lucky, had chances not often experienced and lost it all. guess that makes him a loser.
Cam
What a shock, the same account that defends anti-LGBTQ Republicans also attacks and mocks rape victims.
ricdardc1
……(enter) the surviving – Corey I Told You So !
WrongIG
Just so the writer is aware – you have linked the wrong Instagram profile in your story. The one you’ve linked is a small fan account.
grich
The sad thing in these cases is that anyone publicly accused will be assumed guilty by some or never trusted again whether they are judged innocent or not. There will always be doubts. And I’m not making any judgement on the case this thread is about.
Jerry
As a parent of a 13 yo son, I would/will never leave my kid alone with anyone for this to happen, I’d always be there. Parents need to take some blame for allowing their children to be in these situations. Trust no one when it comes to irreversible damage to your charge.
Johnathan
Have none of you been around a teenager? They are not children. Their Instagram alone will show you that. They are like 20 somethings mentally. Im sure a hillbilly teenager with no iPhone social media etc. could be a child still. A teenager with stage parents, agents, all that goes with trying to be a “STAR” they know what’s up. It’s sad that Hollywood was set up this way since the first silent movie. The predator knows that and they prey knows that.
Spid3rman
As someone from the UK, I was shocked when I heard that there could be no arrests made in the Corey Feldman and Corey Haim cases because of something called ‘The Statute of Limitations’ How can you have a time limit on a crime so serious? This is especially important because by it’s very nature it means there’s often a delay in victims coming forward. How could California have a 10 year Statute of Limitations on the rape of a minor, but not on ‘Embezzlement of Public Funds’? It shows yet again that legally, money matters more than people in our messed up world.
Fortunately, The Statute of Limitations’ for sex crimes in Califorrnia has been overturned now. It took Feldman DECADES though and it was only really on the back of the Harvey Weinstein/Bill Cosby cases. But a win is a win.
It is genuinely heartbreaking to hear that after what happened to ‘The Two Coreys’, Anthony Rapp (who said he was assaulted by Kevin Spacey) and everyone whose story came out via #MeToo, it’s STILL happening. This poor kid was TWELVE when it started. He was handed around like a tissue and given about the same amount of respect and dignity. He has shown immense courage in not only reporting it, but to give up his anonymity so publicly. I hope he receives all the support he needs and is able to move forward without it causing him any more damage.
Bryguyf69
I don’t know if what Garcia claims is true, but I’m always troubled when there is no evidence. In this age of smartphones, it doesn’t take a genius to record evidence. And he had many years to do so. Yes, even a 12 y/o knows how to set a phone to record video — or at the very least, audio. And even if he claims that he was too young and naive to realize that a crime was committed — indeed, many victims say that they enjoyed the sex at the time — Garcia could have entrap the alleged abusers later, when he did realize that he was victimized. A church abuse victim did just that. He called the priest many years later, and recorded a conversation where the priest talked about the encounters.
So far, it seems like Garcia has nothing. In this case, the lack of evidence suggests the lack of a crime. Yes, there was probably some flirting and even inappropriate behavior, but probably not to the extent he claims.
James Hart
It seems that homosexual pedophiles run the recording industry and the Catholic Church.