A troubling claim has emerged about a student-run “kissing club” at an elite private school in California, which counts Kendall and Kylie Jenner among its alumni. A judge has decided that the case will go to trial, moving away from private arbitration.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David B. Gellfound ruled against Sierra Canyon Schools, allowing the case to proceed in Chatsworth Superior Court. This means both parties will start exchanging evidence, taking depositions, and getting ready for what could be a jury trial.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a student referred to as EK, who was just seven years old when the alleged abuse began. Her parents, Max and Panthea, state in their complaint that upperclassmen repeatedly targeted their daughter during school hours, accusing them of creating this club within the school’s bathrooms.
In court, Panthea expressed the emotional weight of the situation: “As a mother, feeling hopeless and not being able to protect your child from this situation… it’s very painful,” she shared, visibly moved.
Max, the father, highlighted that they learned about the alleged abuses through their own investigation rather than any prompt from the school. He stated, “I think one of the big issues as parents is that we were never reported by the school. This could have continued if we hadn’t figured it all out ourselves.”
The allegations include claims that older female students coerced younger children into performing sexual acts, such as kissing and touching.
Concerns have been raised by parents who believe the school failed to monitor the situation adequately, allowing these behaviors to persist. While the school claims it had previously addressed bullying, it did not put effective safeguards in place.
The complaint also mentions that administrators failed to inform law enforcement or the families when staff learned about the incidents, including a video reportedly found on a student’s phone. This, they argue, goes against California’s mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse.
The student purportedly leading this “kissing club” has been expelled, but the lawsuit asserts that her expulsion was not formally executed.
Judge Gelfound’s ruling addresses the seriousness of the allegations, indicating that EK faced harassment and bullying from an upperclassman who allegedly forced her into compromising situations. The lawsuit claims that the school staff did not intervene despite being aware of the conduct.
Sierra Canyon School has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that student safety is a priority. Known for educating children from prominent families—including LeBron James and the Jenner sisters—the school claims to be committed to the truth and student welfare.
Despite this, the school maintains that the allegations do not accurately reflect reality, though it has not yet made a detailed public response in court.
This case has captured public attention partly due to the school’s high profile, with tuition for students in grades 9 to 12 reported at around $46,300, and total annual costs typically ranging from $48,000 to $52,000.
Additionally, it has reignited discussions around prior comments made by Kanye West, who criticized the institution as a “fake school for celebrities,” suggesting that parents like Kim Kardashian should consider removing their children.
With the rejection of arbitration, the case now moves into discovery, where detailed records and communications will be scrutinized ahead of a potential jury trial.
Sierra Canyon School is a private, coeducational, college preparatory institution located in Chatsworth, California, catering to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
