Hollywood actor Vin Diesel is facing legal action as his former personal assistant, Asta Jonasson, filed a lawsuit on Thursday accusing him of sexual assault during the filming of ‘Fast Five’ in 2010.
In the lawsuit, Jonasson alleges that the incident occurred at St Regis Hotel in Atlanta, where Diesel reportedly pinned her to a wall and engaged in a sexual act without her consent.
The former assistant claims that Diesel ignored her explicit statements of non-consent during the alleged assault.
The lawsuit includes charges of sexual battery, wrongful termination, gender discrimination, illegal retaliation, and emotional distress.
Jonasson further claims that after the incident, she was fired by Samantha Vincent, Diesel’s sister, who manages One Race Films, the actor’s production company.
The lawsuit contends that Jonasson felt exploited for Diesel’s desires, stating, “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. 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.”
In response to the allegations, Bryan Freedman, Diesel’s lawyer, denied the claims, asserting that this was the first time Diesel had heard of the accusation. “This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13-year-old claim made by a purportedly 9-day employee,” Freedman stated.
