Father of Beastie Boys Member Ad-Rock Accused of Sexual Misconduct

As male celebrities continue to be accused of sexual misconduct, allegations of abuse are now hitting close to the hip-hop world.

On Thursday (Nov. 30), The New York Times detailed allegations of sexual abuse from nine women against playwright Israel Horovitz, the father of Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz of Beastie Boys fame.

According to Jocelyn Meinhardt, in 1989, the elder Horovitz drove her to the family home where he then locked the door, kissed and fondled her. The playwright then allegedly led Meinhardt to his bedroom where she says he raped her. Frédérique Giffard also claims in 1991, Horovitz groped her breasts and placed her hand on his erect penis. She was 16 years old at the time.

Following the report, Horovitz offered a statement to the Times, claiming he has a "different memory of these events." He added, "I apologize with all my heart to any woman who has ever felt compromised by my actions, and to my family and friends who have put their trust in me. To hear that I have caused pain is profoundly upsetting, as is the idea that I might have crossed a line with anyone who considered me a mentor.”

Ad-Rock also released his own statement, supporting the women who came forward. "I believe the allegations against my father are true, and I stand behind the women that made them," he said.

This is not Horovitz's first time being accused of misconduct. In 1993, the Boston Phoenix ran a story in which 10 women accused the playwright of sexual harassment and assault.

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