Vin Diesel Sued For Sexual Assault By Ex Assistant: What Do We Know So Far

Actor Vin Diesel has faced allegations of sexually assaulting his assistant in an Atlanta hotel room over a decade ago, as stated in a lawsuit filed on December 21. This legal action is among several claims presented in California courts, utilising extended legal timeframes for alleged sexual offences.

Asta Jonasson, as mentioned in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, accuses the actor of sexually assaulting her during her work on the set of Fast Five in Atlanta back in 2010. She details an incident where Diesel reportedly cornered her in a hotel suite and engaged in inappropriate behaviour in her presence.

According to the complaint, Jonasson worked for One Race, Vin Diesel's production company, handling various tasks, including accompanying Diesel to social events and ensuring her presence in photographs, particularly when the actor appeared alone at functions without his usual partner.

The law firm representing Jonasson, Greenberg Gross, has issued a statement regarding the case.

Vin Diesel Accused of Sexual Battery In Lawsuit By Former Assistant

The lawsuit added, "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 own skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement."

"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." 

The legal spokesperson affirmed their support for their client, expressing a commitment to holding Vin Diesel and those complicit in enabling or covering up his actions responsible for the alleged sexual assault.

As per the lawsuit, following a late-night episode in September 2010, Jonasson was asked to stay in Diesel's hotel suite at the St. Regis until he concluded hosting women from a club. After these women left, Diesel purportedly grabbed Jonasson's wrists and pulled her onto the bed. Feeling fearful for her safety and job, Jonasson initially hesitated to oppose her superior's advances. But when Diesel tried to remove her underwear, she panicked and fled down the hallway, screaming.

Despite having signed a nondisclosure agreement when she joined, Jonasson was able to voice her concerns due to the protection offered by the Speak Out Act and California's AB2777. These laws prevent the enforcement of such agreements in cases of sexual assault, assault, and harassment and also extend the time limit for allegations of sexual abuse after 2009.

Jonasson's assertions in the legal filing indicate that she drew strength from movements like #MeToo and Time's Up to reclaim control and pursue justice for the distress she claims to have endured due to Vin Diesel and One Race.