Vin Diesel is currently facing a lawsuit from his former assistant, Asta Jonasson, who alleges sexual battery during the filming of 'Fast Five.'
The legal action also implicates Vin Diesel's sister, Samantha Vincent, and their production company, One Race Productions, with accusations of discrimination and wrongful termination. Jonasson contends that her termination occurred only after the alleged sexual assault, as per Fox News.
Vin Diesel Accused of Sexual Misconduct
US actor Vin Diesel arrives for the Charlize Theron Africa outreach project block party at the Universal Studios Backlot in Universal City, California, on May 20, 2023.
In documentation obtained by Fox News Digital, Jonasson details the claim that Vin Diesel forcibly pinned her against a wall, engaging in inappropriate behavior such as groping and masturbation. The lawsuit extends culpability to One Race Films, accusing them of terminating Jonasson as a form of retaliation for resisting Diesel's advances and as an effort to conceal the alleged assault.
Vin Diesel's legal representative, Bryan Freedman, released a statement vehemently denying all allegations put forth by Jonasson. The statement emphasizes Diesel's lack of prior knowledge of the more than 13-year-old claim and cites evidence contradicting the accusations. It underscores that the claimant was a brief, 9-day employee.
Jonasson attributes the timing of her lawsuit to recent legislative changes in California, extending the statute of limitations for sexual misconduct claims until 2026. She also contends that her nondisclosure agreement is rendered invalid due to evolving laws restricting the enforceability of such contracts in specific instances.
This legal action aligns with a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where individuals have utilized legislation like the Adult Survivor's Act in New York to pursue sexual assault claims against prominent figures such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jamie Foxx, and Neil Portnow. Companies linked to the accused have faced legal repercussions for their alleged role in facilitating or neglecting oversight, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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Asta Jonasson Alleges Assault by Diesel
The lawsuit recounts a disturbing encounter at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta in September 2010. Jonasson asserts that Diesel assaulted her in his suite after requesting her to wait while he entertained other guests. The incident allegedly involved Diesel grabbing her wrists, pinning her to the bed, and engaging in inappropriate conduct. Following her escape, Diesel purportedly pursued her, subjecting her to further unwarranted advances.
Post-incident, Jonasson claims that Samantha Vincent terminated her employment at One Race, conveying the company's purported lack of need for "extra help." Jonasson believes her termination was a consequence of resisting Diesel's assault, intended to shield Diesel and conceal the incident.
Jonasson's legal action includes multiple claims, such as sexual battery, gender-based discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation. She seeks unspecified damages for the emotional distress, humiliation, and physical and mental pain resulting from the alleged assault.
The potential implications of this lawsuit extend to Vin Diesel's career and One Race Productions, despite the absence of ongoing projects. The production company is slated to produce an untitled Fast and Furious movie featuring Dwayne Johnson. The legal process will ultimately determine the veracity of Jonasson's claims, emphasizing the importance of allowing due course to take place, Daily Mail reported.
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