Current:Home > BackVin Diesel accused of sexual battery by former assistant in civil lawsuit-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Vin Diesel accused of sexual battery by former assistant in civil lawsuit
View Date:2024-12-23 22:53:13
Actor Vin Diesel is being sued by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson, for alleged sexual battery and wrongful termination, among other claims, relating to a 2010 incident, according to a complaint filed Thursday in Los Angeles.
The suit, obtained by CBS News, also names Diesel's sister, film producer Samantha Vincent, and One Race Films, the production company founded by Diesel and run by Vincent.
"Ms. Jonasson's lawsuit seeks to hold Vin Diesel accountable for his sexual assaults, and her former employer accountable for its unlawful termination of her employment and cover up of the sexual assaults," Jonasson's attorney, Claire-Lise Kutlay, said in a statement to CBS News.
In a statement provided to CBS News, Bryan Freedman, an attorney for the actor, wrote: "Let me be very clear, Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety. This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13 year old claim made by a purportedly 9 day employee. There is clear evidence which completely refutes these outlandish allegations."
The civil suit alleges that while Jonasson was working for Diesel in Atlanta, where he was filming "Fast Five," he forced himself on her in a hotel room. The complaint states that he groped her chest and kissed her as she struggled to break free and continued to refuse his advances.
"Vin Diesel ignored Ms. Jonasson's clear statements of non-consent to his sexual assaults," the suit says. It alleges that Diesel then attempted to remove Jonasson's underwear before she screamed and attempted to get to a nearby bathroom.
"Ms. Jonasson was unable to escape and closed her eyes, scared of angering Vin Diesel by rejecting him further and trying to dissociate, wishing the assault would end," reads the text of the complaint, adding that she "was frozen in a state of shock and unable to move" until he finally released her.
Jonasson alleges that just hours later, Diesel's sister called her and terminated her employment.
Jonasson says that she remained silent for years out of fear but that she was empowered by the #MeToo movement to speak up, and was able to file the suit under California's Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act. The law was passed in Sept. 2022 and provides a three-year window for survivors to file a claim that would have ordinarily expired under the state's statute of limitations.
Jonasson is seeking damages that include a $10,000 civil penalty for each violation, plus unspecified damages for emotional distress and compensatory damages that may include income she would have received if not for Diesel's conduct.
"No one should be forced to endure sexual assault or lose their job for resisting sexual assault. No one is too famous or powerful to evade justice," Kutlay said. "We hope Ms. Jonasson's courageous decision to come forward helps create lasting change and empowers other survivors."
- In:
- #MeToo Movement
- Sexual Misconduct
- Vin Diesel
C Mandler is a social media producer and trending topics writer for CBS News, focusing on American politics and LGBTQ+ issues.
veryGood! (17663)
Related
- Bill on school bathroom use by transgender students clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor
- Kaley Cuoco gets candid about first year of motherhood, parenting hacks
- Trinidad police are investigating a shooting that killed 3 people and wounded 5 others
- The 19 Best Hair Masks to Give Your Dry, Damaged Hair New Life
- Rare Alo Yoga Flash Sale: Don’t Miss 60% Off Deals With Styles as Low as $5
- Bush is hitting the road for greatest hits tour. Fans will get to see 1994 rock band for $19.94
- Kylie Jenner's New Pink Hair Is Proof She's Back in Her King Kylie Era
- Senate clears first hurdle in avoiding shutdown, votes to advance short-term spending bill
- Tua Tagovailoa playing with confidence as Miami Dolphins hope MNF win can spark run
- Massachusetts man sentenced to life with possibility of parole in racist road rage killing
Ranking
- Video shows Starlink satellite that resembled fireball breaking up over the Southwest: Watch
- Ben & Jerry's board chair calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- China and Ireland seek stronger ties during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit
- Capitol rioter who assaulted at least 6 police officers is sentenced to 5 years in prison
- Controversial comedian Shane Gillis announces his 'biggest tour yet'
- China and Ireland seek stronger ties during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit
- There's one Eagles star who can save Nick Sirianni's job. Why isn't Jalen Hurts doing it?
- Donald Trump tops off a long day in court with a long, rambling speech at New Hampshire rally
Recommendation
-
'Climate change is real': New York parks employee killed as historic drought fuels blazes
-
New bodycam footage from Ohio police raid shows officers using flash-bang, talking to mother of sick infant
-
Police investigating homicide after human remains found in freezer of Colorado home
-
Contrails — the lines behind airplanes — are warming the planet. Could an easy AI solution be on the horizon?
-
My Chemical Romance will perform 'The Black Parade' in full during 2025 tour: See dates
-
What to do if your pipes freeze at home, according to plumbing experts
-
Think twice before snapping a photo on a Las Vegas Strip pedestrian bridge, or risk jail time
-
Prosecutor probing TV studio attack in Ecuador is shot dead in Guayaquil