Vin Diesel Sexual Battery Lawsuit Dismissed on Technicality
Vin Diesel, the star of the “Fast & Furious” franchise, will not face further litigation in Los Angeles regarding a sexual battery lawsuit filed by a former assistant. The lawsuit, which was filed in December 2023, alleged that Diesel sexually assaulted the assistant, Asta Jonasson, in a hotel room during the filming of “Fast Five” in Atlanta in 2010.
Judge Daniel M. Crowley of the L.A. County Superior Court dismissed the complaint, citing a technicality. The judge stated that California law could not be applied to any of Jonasson’s claims, as the alleged sexual assault occurred in Georgia, making California an improper jurisdiction for the case. Crowley also called Jonasson’s argument “untenable” and in conflict with the intention of the state’s legal code.
Background of the Lawsuit
Jonasson’s lawsuit raised 10 claims, including sexual battery, retaliation, and multiple violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. The complaint also sought action against Diesel’s One Race Films production company and its president, Samantha Vincent, who is Diesel’s sister. The case was set to go to trial in February before the dismissal.
According to Jonasson’s attorney, Matthew T. Hale, the court’s decision was based on a legal technicality and did not address the truth of Jonasson’s allegations. Hale stated that they disagree with the ruling and are assessing their next steps. A legal representative for Diesel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Denial of Allegations
Diesel had previously denied the allegations through his attorney, Bryan Freedman, stating that the claim was over 13 years old and made by a “purportedly nine-day employee.” Freedman also claimed that there was clear evidence that refuted the allegations. In her complaint, Jonasson alleged that Diesel groped her, pinned her to a wall, and put her hand on his genitals without her consent during the hotel room encounter.
The dismissal of the lawsuit brings an end to the case in Los Angeles, but it is unclear whether Jonasson will pursue further action in Georgia or other jurisdictions. For more information on this case, readers can refer to the original article Here.
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