Six Gay, Bi Men Sue USC Doctor for Sexual Battery, Harassment

The University of Southern California and a doctor recently employed there were hit with a lawsuit from six gay and bisexual men who accuse the physician of sexual battery, gender violence, sexual harassment, negligence, and fraud.

Dr. Dennis A. Kelly, who retired from USC two years ago, denies the claims, telling the Los Angeles Times that he always acted "professionally and without any other motive."

The plaintiffs allege Kelly targeted gay and bi male students, subjecting them to "demeaning and derogatory" terms and inquiring if they used sex toys and watched internet porn. The accusers -- some of which attended USC between 2009 and 2014 -- also said they were subjected to "intrusive and medically unnecessary rectal examinations."

One student claims Kelly refused to offer him a robe when he undressed, with the doctor saying he was "going to see [his penis] anyway."

A USC spokesperson released a statement acknowledging the lawsuit and are "concerned with the allegations."

"We're working to understand the facts of this matter," the statement reads, according to the Los Angeles NBC affiliate. "We care deeply about our entire Trojan family, including our LGBTQ community and take this matter very seriously."

The university recently agreed to a $215 million class-action settlement for hundreds of female students subjected to sexual abuse by another USC doctor, Dr. George Tyndall.