Vin Diesel faces 2010 sex assault claim by former assistant / Photo: VALERIE MACON - AFP/File
-
Marseille downed by Lille in Ligue 1 as Lyon's struggles continue
-
NBA bans Mitchell, Champagnie one game for sparking melee
-
'Project Hail Mary' rockets to top of N. America box office
-
Syrians protest alcohol sale limits, curbs on personal freedom
-
Spurs can '100 percent' avoid nightmare of relegation: Saltor
-
Araujo header scrapes Liga leaders Barcelona win over Rayo
-
Israel launches strikes as Lebanon warns of invasion
-
Torrential rains in Kenya kill 81 in March: officials
-
Iran threatens Mideast infrastructure after Trump ultimatum
-
Spurs felled by Forest in relegation battle, Sunderland shock Newcastle
-
Spurs collapse against Forest, failing acid test
-
US may 'escalate to de-escalate' against Iran: Treasury chief
-
Howe disappointed in himself after 'painful' Newcastle defeat
-
Quansah to miss England's pre-World Cup friendlies
-
Araujo header scrapes Liga leaders Barca win over Rayo
-
Georgia buries Patriarch Ilia II as succession stirs fears of Russian influence
-
DeChambeau wins back-to-back LIV Golf play-offs
-
Sunderland inflict more derby pain on Newcastle
-
Nepali youth demand release of govt report into deadly September uprising
-
US, Iran trade threats to target infrastructure in Middle East
-
Paris doubles up with super-G victory at World Cup finals
-
Dortmund part ways with sporting director Kehl
-
Russia resumes use of space launch site damaged in accident
-
Cuba scrambles to restore power after new blackout
-
Senegal's Idrissa Gueye ready to 'hand back' AFCON medals
-
New Zealand's Walsh bags fourth world indoor gold
-
Goggia claims first super-G title after victory in Kvitfjell
-
Slovenia votes in tight polls, with conservatives eyeing comeback
-
A herd stop: Train kills 3 rare bison in Poland
-
Vietnam, Russia to sign energy deal: Hanoi
-
American Gumberg triumphs in Hainan for second DP World Tour win
-
South Africa clinch 19-run win over New Zealand in fourth T20
-
Iran threatens Middle East infrastructure after Trump ultimatum
-
French elect mayors in key cities including Paris
-
'They beat us with whips': Sudan RSF detainees tell of horrors in El-Fasher
-
Australia's Hannah Green wins historic third tournament in a row
-
China's premier vows to expand global 'trade pie': state media
-
Belgium commemorates Brussels attacks 10 years on
-
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25 percent as war bites
-
Rights groups fear use of arrest to stifle free speech in Pakistan
-
Iranian missiles sow panic, destruction in Israeli towns
-
Damaged Russian tanker to be towed to Libya: state-owned company
-
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40, LeBron breaks NBA appearance record
-
Cuba hit by second nationwide blackout in a week
-
BTS draws over 100,000 fans to Seoul comeback concert: label
-
US-China 'Board of Trade' may help ties but experts flag market worries
-
Sinner, defending champ Mensik advance to third round at Miami Open
-
Iran missile strikes wound over 100 in two south Israel towns
-
Hannah Green Secures Hat Trick with Statement Win at Australian Women's PGA Championship
-
6 Reasons Why FR Clothing Is Nonnegotiable in Construction Uniform Services
Vin Diesel faces 2010 sex assault claim by former assistant
Action star Vin Diesel has been accused of sexually assaulting his assistant in an Atlanta hotel room over a decade ago, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday.
The suit is the latest claim to be lodged with courts in California, which has extended the length of time in which legal action can be taken in cases of alleged sexual crimes.
Asta Jonasson said her first assignment after being hired by the "Fast and Furious" star's company was to travel to Atlanta in September 2010 during the filming of "Fast Five."
There, she was tasked with helping Diesel leave a hotel in the early morning hours after entertaining multiple women in a suite, before paparazzi were alerted to his whereabouts.
"Alone in the hotel suite with him, Vin Diesel sexually assaulted Ms Jonasson. Vin Diesel forcibly grabbed Ms Jonasson, groped her breasts, and kissed her. Ms Jonasson struggled continually to break free of his grasp, while repeatedly saying no.
"Vin Diesel then escalated his assault," the suit said, with the actor trying to pull down his assistant's underwear.
The suit stated that Jonasson fled to a bathroom, where Diesel pursued her, and forced her to touch him. He then pinned her against a wall and masturbated.
The following day, Samantha Vincent, the actor's sister and president of One Race, the entertainment company that employed Jonasson, allegedly called and fired her.
"The message was clear. Ms Jonasson was fired for courageously resisting Vin Diesel's sexual assault, Vin Diesel would be protected, and his sexual assault covered up," the suit said.
The civil suit seeks unspecified damages against Diesel, Vincent and their companies.
Representatives for Diesel did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.
Jonasson has waived the right to anonymity customarily granted to victims of alleged sex abuse.
The global #MeToo movement has seen powerful men in the world of entertainment punished for their abusive and predatory behavior, starting with bombshell allegations against industry titan Harvey Weinstein in 2017 that led to his imprisonment on multiple sex assault convictions.
W.Morales--AT
