Vin Diesel accused of sexual battery by former assistant in lawsuit
Los Angeles (AP/PTI): “Fast and Furious” star Vin Diesel has been accused by his former assistant of sexual battery while working for him in 2010.
Asta Jonasson filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Thursday alleging that Diesel forced himself onto her in a hotel suite in Atlanta. The lawsuit alleges she tried to escape from the room after being forced into Mr. Diesel’s bed, but the actor moved toward her then groped her breasts and kissed her chest.
Ms. Jonasson was fired hours later by Ms. Diesel’s sister Samantha Vincent, who is also the president of his One Race Productions.
The lawsuit stated that Ms. Jonasson felt like she was a “piece of trash" and her self esteem was “demolished.”
“It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful — Vin Diesel had used her to fulfill his sexual desires and she had resisted his sexual assaults,” the suit alleges.
Ms. Jonasson is suing Ms. Diesel and his company for creating a hostile work environment, negligent supervision and wrongful termination, among her other claims.
"Let me be very clear: Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety,” attorney Bryan Freedman said in a statement reported by the trade outlet Variety. “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.”
Ms. Jonasson’s attorney, Claire-Lise Kutlay, said in a statement that her client's lawsuit seeks to hold Mr. Diesel and those who "allowed and covered up his sexual assault, accountable for their egregious actions.”
“Employers must protect and defend people when they speak up about sexual assault and harassment,” Kutlay said. “We hope Ms. Jonasson’s courageous decision to come forward helps create lasting change and empowers other survivors.”
The Associated Press generally does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, as Jonasson has done.
Mr. Diesel has starred as Dominic Toretto since the “The Fast and Furious” franchise’s inaugural film in 2001. The movies have become big earners at the domestic and international box office, with the past two films each making more than $1 billion.
Earlier this year, the franchise's tenth installment, "Fast X," starring Mr. Diesel, opened with $67.5 million in ticket sales.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets in IPL
Lucknow, Apr 30: Lucknow Super Giants beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets in the IPL here on Tuesday.
Mumbai Indians posted 144 for 7 with Nehal Wadhera scoring 46. Tim David and Ishan Kishan made 35 not out and 32 respectively.
For LSG, Mohsin Khan took two wickets while Marcus Stoinis, Mayank Yadav, Naveen-ul-Haq and Ravi Bishnoi got one each.
LSG chased down the modest target in 19.2 overs thanks to Marcus Stoinis (62 off 45).
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians: 144 for 7 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 46, Tim David 35 not out; Mohsin Khan 2/36).
LSG: 145/6 in 19.2 overs (Marcus Stoinis 62; Hardik Pandya 2/26).
