Los Angeles Tattoo Artist and Studio Sued for Sexual Assault, Battery, and Negligence
LOS ANGELES, CA – A lawsuit has been filed against tattoo artist Luis Vargas and Vargas Body Art Howling Winds Studio, which Vargas owns and operates as a sole proprietorship, alleging assault and battery, sexual battery, negligence, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress after an incident with Vargas at the Howling Winds Studio.
On November 19, 2020, Jane Doe visited Vargas Body Art Howling Winds Studio at 10307 Vassar Street in Chatsworth, California, for what she believed would be a routine consultation for a tattoo cover-up. During her consultation, Vargas instructed Jane Doe to remove all of her clothing, insisting she do so even after Jane Doe initially refused, and proceeded to record and photograph her without consent. Vargas then pressured Jane Doe to expand her tattoo and get tattooed that night, both ideas she was openly hesitant and resistant to. While she was restrained under Vargas’s tattoo gun, Jane Doe endured multiple hours of sexual assault, during which she repeatedly told Vargas to stop and was ignored.
“Not only is my client left to recover from the physical and emotional trauma from this event, but she is also left with permanent reminders of her assault in the form of unwanted tattoos,” Meagan Verschueren, counsel at Singleton Schreiber and Jane Doe’s attorney. “Every day she is forced to remember her traumatic experience.”
The complaint alleges that Vargas’s conduct constituted intentional misconduct and a gross violation of professional standards, resulting in severe and lasting physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It is also alleged that Vargas may have assaulted other women at his tattoo studio. “No person deserves to be subject to the behavior my client was,” Katie Llamas, counsel at Singleton Schreiber and Jane Doe’s attorney. “We believe this conduct may not have been an isolated incident, and by standing up and telling her story, our client seeks to hold Vargas accountable while encouraging and empowering other survivors to do the same.”
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as special damages, litigation costs, expert fees, and other relief allowed under California law.
About Singleton Schreiber
Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm specializing in civil rights, sexual abuse, mass torts, and personal injury/wrongful death. With over a decade of commitment to justice, the firm stands up for marginalized and harmed communities. As leaders in litigating sexual assault and abuse, Singleton Schreiber relentlessly pursues accountability for perpetrators and enabling institutions. Home to the nation’s largest fire litigation practice, the firm has represented more than 30,000 wildfire and explosion victims and played leading roles in cases such as the 2025 Eaton Fire, Moss Landing Battery Fire, Esparto Fireworks Explosion, and the 2023 Maui Fires. Singleton Schreiber is also pursuing cases against Tesla for its misrepresented autopilot system, leading national hair relaxer litigation, and advocating for survivors of abuse involving major hotel chains. The firm fights to restore dignity and secure justice for all who have suffered systemic wrongdoing.
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Jacob Graff
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