Full Breakdown
Sierra Canyon School Faces Public Trial Over Alleged Student-Run “Kissing Club”
5/25/2026, 12:43:27 PM
Core Event: Judge Denies Request for Private Proceedings
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David B. Gelfound ruled Thursday that the lawsuit alleging a student-operated “kissing club” at Sierra Canyon School must proceed in open court. The decision prevents the case from being moved to confidential arbitration and moves the matter into the discovery phase, where both parties may seek internal emails, disciplinary files and sworn testimony.
Background & Context: Prior Allegations and Elite Reputation
The complaint was filed by the parents of a now-9-year-old girl, identified as E.K., who was allegedly 7 when the reported abuse began. The lawsuit claims older female students coerced younger children in school bathrooms into kissing, genital touching and oral sexual acts, and that school officials failed to promptly notify law enforcement after discovering video evidence on students’ phones. Sierra Canyon School, a private college-preparatory institution in Chatsworth serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, is known for enrolling children of high-profile families, including Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Bronny and Bryce James, and Willow Smith. Attorney Sam Dordulian noted this is the second lawsuit filed against the school alleging similar misconduct.
Key Figures & Groups
- Judge David B. Gelfound – presiding judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- E.K. and mother Pantea – plaintiff family alleging abuse and inadequate supervision.
- Sierra Canyon School administration – defendants asserting they acted on concerns raised in 2024.
- Attorney Sam Dordulian – legal representative for the plaintiff family.
Timeline
- 2022-2024 (approx.) – Alleged “kissing club” activities occur when E.K. is 7-8 years old.
- 2024 – School reportedly becomes aware of bullying and assault; parents claim no action taken.
- Early 2024 – Lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
- April 2024 – Judge Gelfound denies motion to move case to private proceedings.
- May 2024 onward – Discovery phase begins; potential jury trial pending.
Data & Statistics
- Tuition for high-school students exceeds $46,000 annually, not including additional fees.
- E.K. was 7 years old at the alleged start of the abuse; she is now 9.
- The school serves pre-K through 12th grade and enrolls a roster of celebrity children.
Official Statements & Responses
Sierra Canyon School issued a statement asserting that it “takes concerns about student welfare seriously” and that administrators conducted a “thorough review” after the allegations surfaced in 2024. The school added that it has “never ignored concerns related to student care” and that the claims “are untrue and do not accurately reflect what occurred.” Judge Gelfound’s written ruling highlighted the severity of the allegations, noting the alleged forced kissing and genital contact during school hours.
Criticism & Opposition
The plaintiffs argue that inadequate supervision by teachers and administrators allowed the alleged abuse to continue unchecked. They contend that the school’s failure to notify law enforcement violated California mandatory child-abuse reporting laws. Mother Pantea described feeling “hopeless” and emphasized that the alleged harm “could have been avoided” with proper safeguards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a mother, the feeling of being hopeless and not being able to protect my child from this harm that 100% could have been avoided is crushing,” — Pantea, mother of E.K.
- “My focus is on the systems and the safeguards that have failed to protect my child.” — Pantea, mother of E.K.
- “Here, (the parents) allege that E.K. was repeatedly harassed and bullied by older students during school hours, including forcing her to kiss older girls and touch their genital area,” — Judge David B. Gelfound (written ruling)
- “Please know that protecting our students and ensuring that the truth is upheld remain at the core of our mission,” — Sierra Canyon School spokesperson
- “We have never ignored concerns related to student care.” — Sierra Canyon School spokesperson
- “untrue and do not accurately reflect what occurred,” — Sierra Canyon School spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The lawsuit alleges that video recordings of the incidents existed on students’ phones, yet no independent verification of these videos has been presented. The claim that the school failed to notify law enforcement remains uncorroborated by external sources, leaving a factual gap regarding official reporting actions.
What’s Next
The case now enters discovery, during which both sides may request internal communications, disciplinary records and testimony. Depending on the evidence gathered, the matter could proceed to a jury trial, potentially setting precedent for how elite private schools handle allegations of student-on-student sexual misconduct.
