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.
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Andhra Pradesh CM pushes for population growth, joint family values on Ugadi
Amaravati (PTI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday announced a population management policy aimed at boosting the state's population, while emphasising the need to strengthen family systems.
The Chief Minister said efforts are being made to revive the joint family system to ensure better care for elders and enhanced social stability.
“Through a population management policy, we are taking steps to increase population again…we must strengthen families and values in society,” Naidu said while addressing Ugadi celebrations organised by the government in Vijayawada.
He called for returning to value-based living, ensuring support for immediate family members.
Naidu reaffirmed his government's commitment to providing economic, social and health security to all people, while promoting joint family values and planning measures to encourage such systems.
He said schemes such as ‘Talli ki Vandanam’, which offers Rs 15,000 annual financial aid for school going children, will support family growth and social security.
Despite financial constraints, he said the state government has extended support to the poor with a continued focus on welfare measures.
He noted that reservoirs currently have a storage level of about 65 per cent and water will be released for irrigation purpose from May 15, encouraging farmers to prepare for heavy sowing during Kharif season.
The CM said the state government has introduced a water security policy to ensure water availability for drinking, agriculture, industries and environmental needs.
He highlighted that governance will increasingly become technology-driven, enabling better response to natural disasters and climatic variations.
Referring to the Sanjeevani project, he said it aims to strengthen public health and digital health records will enable personalised medical care in future.
According to him, the TDP, BJP and Janasena alliance was formed to ensure welfare, development and good governance.
He said his government is focusing on uplifting the poorest sections through targeted policies.
The Chief Minister said regional economic corridors centred around Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Amaravati will drive development, along with improved logistics connectivity.
He noted that over Rs 1,900 crore has been provided so far to families displaced due to the Polavaram project, while criticising the previous YSRCP government between 2019 and 2024 for not extending compensation.
Naidu reiterated that the Polavaram project will be completed before Godavari Pushkarams (kumbh mela like festival), ensuring gravity-based water supply to the Krishna delta and Visakhapatnam.
He said around Rs 5,000 crore more is required for the project and thanked the Centre for financial support.
Calling Amaravati the "people’s capital", he said the NDA coalition government is implementing short, medium and long-term plans for overall development.
He underscored that employment generation remains a priority, with a job calendar released for 10,060 posts, along with recruitment of nearly 16,000 teachers and over 5,700 police constables.
Naidu claimed that about 30,600 government jobs and over 6.2 lakh private sector jobs have been created.
The CM said notifications for job recruitment will be issued between May 15 and October 15, ensuring opportunities for youth.
He also highlighted that Andhra Pradesh has secured the top position in consumer justice, reflecting the government’s focus on protecting consumer rights.
Naidu expressed confidence that by 2047, the state will become a wealthy, healthy and happy society, achieving global recognition for Telugu people.
Meanwhile, Naidu signed the first file on the occasion of Ugadi, approving financial assistance under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for thousands of beneficiaries.
The Chief Minister cleared Rs 55.63 crore to extend financial and medical assistance to 6,787 beneficiaries, as part of welfare support to the poor.
Meanwhile, the Ugadi awards were presented by the Chief Minister to artists who have made distinguished contributions across various fields.
He also presented mementoes to eminent artists and extended his congratulations for their accomplishments.
A total of 38 individuals received Kala Ratna awards, while 122 were honoured with Ugadi awards.
