American actor Vin Diesel is facing a lawsuit from his former assistant, Asta Jonasson, who alleges sexual battery during her time working on the set of “Fast Five” in 2010.
According to Jonasson, Diesel invited her to his hotel room and forced her into his bed. When she tried to leave, Diesel allegedly prevented her, pinned her to the wall, and groped her despite her protests.
In addition to the sexual battery claim, Jonasson is also suing for wrongful termination, alleging that she was fired by Diesel’s company shortly after the incident.
The filing read in part: “It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful Vin Diesel had used her to fulfil his sexual desires and she had resisted his sexual assaults.
“Ms. Jonasson felt like she was a piece of trash to be discarded. Ms. Jonasson felt helpless, her self-esteem was demolished, and she questioned her skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement”.
The suit was filed in California under the state’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act.
Enacted in 2022, the legislation provides a one-year window for sexual assault survivors to file suits even when such cases have exceeded the statute of limitations.
Speaking up is one of the things that world organisations advocate, as it will help reduce how often sexual abuse happens.
Also read: Diddy Accused For The Fourth Time With New Sexual Assault Lawsuit