A former assistant of Vin Diesel has accused the Fast and Furious star of sexual battery and creating a hostile work environment during the time she worked for him in September 2010.
Asta Jonasson filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday alleging the actor forced himself on her in a hotel suite in Atlanta and masturbated in front of her.
Jonasson, a recent film school graduate at the time, had been working with Diesel while he was filming the movie Fast Five, the fifth instalment in the Fast and Furious franchise.
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She says she was hired by his company, One Race Productions, two weeks before the alleged incident took place.
The lawsuit, obtained by CNN, claims Diesel ignored Jonasson’s “clear statements of non-consent” and after she “screamed and ran towards the nearby bathroom”, he “pinned her against the wall with his body”.
Jonasson claims she was fired just hours later by Diesel’s sister Samantha Vincent, who is the president of One Race Productions.
The former assistant is suing Diesel and his company for creating a hostile work environment, negligent supervision and wrongful termination.
Representatives and lawyers for Diesel have not immediately responded to a request for comment.
Jonasson’s lawyer, Claire-Lise Kutlay, said in a statement shared with CNN that: “No one is too famous or powerful to evade justice.
“We hope her courageous decision to come forward helps create lasting change and empowers other survivors.”
Diesel has starred as Dominic Toretto since The Fast and Furious franchise’s inaugural film in 2001.
The movies have become big earners at the domestic and international box office, with the past two films each making more than $US1 billion ($A1.5 billion).
Earlier this year, the franchise’s 10th instalment, Fast X, starring Diesel, opened with $US67.5 million in ticket sales.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
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– With AP
