An attorney for a woman who alleges that Warren Beatty sexually abused her when she was a teen wants a judge to allow him to cease further representation of the plaintiff.
Without explaining his reasons, plaintiff’s attorney Michael Reck filed court papers Friday with Beverly Hills Superior Court Judge Edward Moreton Jr. seeking permission to withdraw as the woman’s lawyer. A hearing on the motion is scheduled Aug. 31.
“Over a multi-month period, my office has communicated multiple times via telephone, zoom and email correspondence with the plaintiff regarding the issues giving rise to this motion,” Reck states in a sworn declaration. “I will ensure that any necessary paperwork is completed and that my client is notified of my withdrawal.”
The suit, filed Nov. 7, alleges sexual battery and assault and a violation of the state Penal Code. The plaintiff said she was a teen and that Beatty, now 86, was in his 30s when he allegedly groomed her and lured her into a sexual relationship in the 1970s.
“When plaintiff was just a 14-year-old child, (Beatty) used his role, status and power as a well-known Hollywood star to gain access to, groom, manipulate, exploit and coerce sexual contact from her over the course of several months…,” the suit states.
The alleged abuse continued until late 1973, according to the suit.
Beatty’s career spans more than 60 years, with 14 Academy Award nominations. He won an Oscar for best director for the 1981 film “Reds.”