December 22, (THEWILL) – American Actor and film Producer, ‘Fast and Furious star,’ Mark Sinclair, known professionally as Vin Diesel, has been accused by his former assistant, Astra Jonasson of sexual battery while working for him in 2010.
Jonasson filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles, claiming Diesel compelled her into a hotel suite in Atlanta. According to the lawsuit, she attempted to leave the room after being coerced into Diesel’s bed, but the actor advanced, groping her breasts and kissing her chest.
Diesel tried to remove her underwear, prompting her to scream as she rushed towards the nearby bathroom. Eventually, he coerced her into touching his erect penis and proceeded to masturbate, according to the lawsuit.
In fear of further angering Diesel, Jonasson closed her eyes, hoping the assault would come to an end, as mentioned in the lawsuit.
Hours later, Jonasson found herself fired by Diesel’s sister, Samantha Vincent, who serves as the President of his Production Company, One Race Productions.
The lawsuit revealed Jonasson’s profound emotional toll, describing how she felt reduced to a ‘piece of trash’, with her self-esteem utterly demolished.
“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 suit alleges.
Jonasson is pursuing legal action against Diesel and his company, citing allegations of creating a hostile work environment, negligent supervision, wrongful termination, and other claims.
“Let me be very clear: Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety,” attorney Bryan Freedman said in a reported statement. “This is the first he has ever heard about this more than, 13-year-old claim made by a purportedly 9-day employee. There is clear evidence which completely refutes these outlandish allegations.”
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.”
