Vin Diesel Sued for Sexual Battery by Former Assistant
Vin Diesel, known for his role in the 'Fast and Furious' franchise, is facing allegations of sexual battery made by his former assistant.
Accusations of Sexual Battery
Vin Diesel, star of the 'Fast and Furious' franchise, is being accused of sexual battery by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson. Jonasson filed a lawsuit against Diesel in Los Angeles, alleging that he assaulted her during the production of 'Fast Five' in 2010.
According to the lawsuit, Diesel assaulted Jonasson at the St. Regis hotel after entertaining hostesses he had brought back from a club. Despite her asking him to stop, Diesel allegedly grabbed Jonasson's wrists, pulled her onto the bed, and proceeded to molest her. The lawsuit also states that Diesel pinned Jonasson to the wall, placed her hand on his erect penis, and masturbated while she was terrified.
Jonasson's lawsuit includes additional claims of discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. She alleges that she has suffered humiliation, emotional distress, and physical and mental pain and anguish as a result of the alleged assault and her employment at Diesel's production company, One Race.
Reaction and Nondisclosure Agreement
Diesel's sister and president of One Race, Samantha Vincent, reportedly fired Jonasson just hours after the alleged assault. Jonasson claims that she was fired because she had resisted Diesel's sexual advances and was no longer useful to him.
Jonasson had signed a nondisclosure agreement at the start of her employment, but she is filing the lawsuit under the Speak Out Act, which prevents the enforcement of such agreements in cases of sexual assault and harassment.
Response and Legal Proceedings
IndieWire has reached out to Diesel's representatives for comment on the allegations. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what consequences Diesel may face if the allegations are found to be true.
Sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry continue to shed light on the need for safe working environments and accountability for those in positions of power.
