Empowering California Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Beverly Hills High School
If you were abused by a teacher, coach, staff member, or trusted adult at Beverly Hills High School or any other California school, we want to help you
Beverly Hills High School is the only major public high school in Beverly Hills, California. The other public high school in Beverly Hills, Moreno High School, is a small alternative school located on Beverly’s campus. Beverly Hills High School teaches students from 9th – 12th grade. In 2021, approximately 1,242 students were enrolled at the school. Many people may associate the school with the infamous 1990s television drama Beverly Hills, 90210 TV show. Initially, producers of the show wanted it to be set at Beverly Hills High School, and the show to be filmed on campus. The Beverly Hills High School board declined these requests. Thus, the producers created the fictional “West Beverly Hills High School” (or “West Beverly”).
Henry “Hank” Friedman was hired by the Beverly Hills Unified School District and for years he worked as a science teacher, baseball coach, and football coach at Beverly Hills High School. According to an LA Times article from 1981, a police investigation into allegations revealed “eight or nine” former students who were prepared to testify that Friedman had touched them inappropriately after directing them to disrobe. Friedman was subsequently charged with five criminal counts connected to his misconduct at Beverly Hills High School and pled no contest. Eventually, he was suspended from his position at Beverly Hills High and then resigned. However, a previously filed complaint alleges that the school still allowed Friedman to coach baseball during the suspension period.
In 1986, a movie called One Terrific Guy was released; the movie is allegedly inspired by Henry “Hank” Friedman’s actions, and the school’s response to reports of abuse.
In 2022, a petition on change.org was launched, asking for the public’s help in holding Friedman and Beverly Hills High School accountable for abuse that occurred multiple times and was perpetrated against multiple victims.
If you are concerned about your privacy, or remaining anonymous, you can learn more about that in our Questions & Answers section on our website.
Multiple survivors who attended Beverly Hills High School have come forward with plans to file lawsuits due to allegations of sexual abuse against Friedman. If you were abused by Henry “Hank” Friedman, or any other employee or volunteer at Beverly Hills High School, but are scared to come forward, we understand. It’s important to note that any conversations you have with our firm will be confidential and compassionate. Not only can taking legal action bring a sense of empowerment, it could also potentially stop other kids from being abused.
California Child Victims Act
On January 1, 2020, the California Child Victims Act (AB 218) opened a three-year window for California child sexual assault survivors of any age to file claims against their perpetrators and the institutions responsible for the abuse, no matter when the abuse occurred. This means survivors abused in California only have until December 31, 2022 to take legal action.
You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.
It’s time for justice. It’s time for you to share your story safely and confidentially. It’s time to lay down your burden and reclaim some of your power. It’s time to expose those who hurt you and make sure what happened to you never happens to another child. It’s time to take action under the California Child Victims Act. Before making a decision concerning such severe and sensitive matters, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse to consult with legal counsel before proceeding with a claim. We want to help you find accountability and healing. We will stand by you. We will fight for you.