Vin Diesel Denies Allegations of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit Filed by Former Assistant
Hollywood actor Vin Diesel is refuting serious allegations made against him by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson, who recently filed a lawsuit claiming sexual battery dating back to 2010.
The complaint, obtained by PEOPLE and filed in Los Angeles this week, alleges that Diesel, known for his role in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, sexually assaulted Jonasson at Atlanta’s St. Regis hotel in 2010. The plaintiff accuses Diesel of inappropriate behavior, including groping and masturbating while restraining her.
In a statement to Variety, Bryan Freedman, the lawyer representing Diesel, vehemently denied the allegations, stating, “Let me be very clear: Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety.” Freedman went on to emphasize that this is the first time Diesel has heard about the more than 13-year-old claim, and there is evidence refuting the “outlandish” allegations.
The lawsuit, which targets Diesel, his sister Samantha Vincent, and their production company One Race Films, includes multiple charges such as sexual battery, sex/gender discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and retaliation.
The complaint describes a distressing sequence of events, including the termination of Jonasson’s employment by Vincent hours after the alleged incident. It also highlights another incident in Atlanta involving a One Race supervisor inviting Jonasson to his hotel room.
Despite signing a nondisclosure agreement at the time, Jonasson was able to file the lawsuit due to the Speak Out Act, which prevents the enforcement of such agreements in sexual assault and harassment cases. California’s AB2777 temporarily waives statutes of limitations for sexual abuse allegations that occurred in 2009 or later.
Reps for Diesel and One Race Films did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment as of the latest update.
The lawsuit asserts that Jonasson, inspired by the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, refuses to remain silent any longer and seeks justice for the alleged suffering she endured while working with Vin Diesel and One Race.
Vin Diesel ‘Categorically Denies’ Former Assistant’s ‘Outlandish’ Sexual Battery Allegation, Says Lawyer https://t.co/xzHRXlX7Sc
— People (@people) December 22, 2023