It's controversial/ Vin Diesel accused of sexual battery in lawsuit, actor 'categorically denies' allegations

Vin Diesel is facing serious allegations of sexual battery from a former assistant, Asta Jonasson. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details disturbing incidents that allegedly occurred during the filming of Fast Five in 2010. Diesel's attorney, Bryan Freedman, vehemently denied the claims, stating that the actor categorically denies the allegations. Freedman shared that Diesel only learned about this more than 13-year-old claim recently and provided clear evidence refuting the accusations.

Details about the case

Astra Jonasson filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Thursday alleging that Diesel forced himself onto her in a hotel suite in Atlanta. The lawsuit alleges she tried to escape from the room after being forced into Diesel’s bed, but the actor moved toward her then groped her breasts and kissed her chest.

Diesel attempted to pull down her underwear, causing her to scream as she ran toward the nearby bathroom. He eventually forced her to touch his erect penis and began to masturbate, the suite says. The lawsuit said Jonasson closed her eyes in fear of angering Diesel any further and wished the assault would end.

Jonasson felt like a 'piece of trash'

Jonasson was fired hours later by Diesel’s sister Samantha Vincent, who is also the president of his One Race Productions. The lawsuit stated that Jonasson felt like she was a “piece of trash" and her self esteem was “demolished.”

“It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful — Vin Diesel had used her to fulfill his sexual desires and she had resisted his sexual assaults,” the suit alleges. Jonasson is suing Diesel and his company for creating a hostile work environment, negligent supervision and wrongful termination, among her other claims. Jonasson’s attorney, Claire-Lise Kutlay, said in a statement that her client's lawsuit seeks to hold Diesel and those who "allowed and covered up his sexual assault, accountable for their egregious actions.”

“Employers must protect and defend people when they speak up about sexual assault and harassment,” Kutlay said. “We hope Ms. Jonasson’s courageous decision to come forward helps create lasting change and empowers other survivors.”

Vin Diesel's professional life

Diesel has starred as Dominic Toretto since the “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 $1 billion.

Earlier this year, the franchise's tenth installment, "Fast X," starring Diesel, opened with $67.5 million in ticket sales.

(Inputs from AP)