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"You Light Up My Life" Songwriter Accused Of Rape

(AP Photo)
Joseph Brooks holds his Oscar for best original song for "You Light Up My Life" in 1978.

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) The Oscar-winning songwriter and director behind "You Light Up My Life" has been indicted on charges of raping or sexually assaulting 11 women.

Joseph Brooks, 71, was arraigned Tuesday.

Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau says nine of the victims answered an ad on Craigslist seeking women to audition for acting roles.

The New York Post identified one of the victims as former American Idol contestant Loretta Spruell.

Brooks' assistant, Shawni Lucier (LU-see-er), was charged with criminal facilitation. Prosecutors say she helped arrange for the women to come to his apartment.

Brooks won the Oscar for Best Original Song for the 1977 ballad "You Light Up My Life." He also wrote and directed the "You Light Up My Life" movie. It's about a comedian who has a one-night stand with a director.

Brooks' attorney, Jeff Hoffman, says "there will be lengthy arguments" during the arraignment.

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