‘You Light Up My Life’ writer faces more sex-assault charges; NYC prosecutors count 13 victims
By APTuesday, January 19, 2010
More charges for ‘You Light Up My Life’ writer
NEW YORK — Prosecutors say they’ve found two more women who say they were molested by The Academy Award-winning songwriter of “You Light Up My Life.” Joseph Brooks was already accused of forcing himself on a series of women lured to his Manhattan apartment for supposed acting auditions.
Brooks pleaded not guilty Tuesday to additional charges including predatory sexual assault, which carries a potential life sentence. He’s now accused of abusing 13 women.
Prosecutors want a court to boost his $250,000 bail. Defense lawyer Jeffrey Hoffman says that’s unwarranted because the 71-year-old Brooks has consistently come to court.
Brooks won an Oscar for best original song for the Debby Boone ballad “You Light Up My Life.” He also wrote and directed the eponymous 1977 movie.
