Vin Diesel accused of sexual battery by former assistant

Fast and the Furious star Vin Diesel is facing serious accusations of sexual battery from his former assistant, Astra Jonasson. According to the legal documents, Jonasson has accused Diesel of forcibly engaging in sexual acts with her in a hotel suite in Atlanta, US.

TRIGGER WARNING: Descriptions of sexual assault/battery

What

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims that the alleged incident occurred in 2010, when Jonasson worked for Diesel. The lawsuit details a distressing account where Jonasson attempted to escape the situation after Diesel allegedly forced her into his bed. 

• Reportedly, Diesel pursued her, groped her breasts, and kissed her chest. 
• The situation escalated as Diesel allegedly attempted to remove Jonasson's underwear, causing her to scream as she fled towards a nearby bathroom. 
• The lawsuit further claims that Diesel coerced Jonasson into touching his erect penis and proceeded to masturbate.

The lawsuit

Following this disturbing incident, Jonasson was terminated from her position by Diesel's sister, Samantha Vincent, who is also the president of his production company, One Race Productions. The lawsuit contends that Jonasson perceived her termination as a consequence of resisting Diesel's advances and described feeling like a "piece of trash" with her self-esteem "demolished."

The suit alleges,

Jonasson is suing Diesel and his production company for multiple charges, including creating a hostile work environment, negligent supervision, and wrongful termination. 

• Her attorney, Claire-Lise Kutlay, emphasized the importance of holding Diesel and those associated with him accountable for their actions. 
• Kutlay also stressed the need for employers to protect individuals who speak out against sexual assault and harassment.

Diesel's legal team

In response to the allegations, Diesel's attorney, Bryan Freedman, issued a statement denying the claims, stating that Diesel categorically denies the allegations.

• Freedman pointed out that this is the first time Diesel has heard about the more than 13-year-old claim, which was made by a purportedly short-term employee. 
• The attorney asserted that there is clear evidence refuting the "outlandish allegations."