Vin Diesel Faces Sexual Assault Charges from His Former Assistant

Vin Diesel, the star of the Fast and Furious franchise, is facing a lawsuit from his former assistant, who filed a sexual assault lawsuit against him for harassment in 2010.

The assistant, Asta Jonasson, claims that Diesel groped her, masturbated in front of her, then fired her hours later during the filming of Fast Five in Atlanta. 

She was able to file the lawsuit because of a new law in California that prevents the enforcement of nondisclosure agreements in cases of sexual assault and harassment. It’s also possible thanks to another law that temporarily waives the statute of limitations for such claims. 

This article will explore the charges further, revealing Vin Diesel’s response, the implications of the case, and other worthwhile factors.

The Sexual Assault Charges Against Vin Diesel

Asta Jonasson, a former assistant of Vin Diesel, filed a lawsuit accusing the actor of sexual battery and retaliation. She alleged that Diesel groped her, forcibly kissed her, and masturbated in front of her in 2010 during the filming of Fast Five in Atlanta. 

Jonasson mentions that the assault occurred in a hotel room where Diesel had invited several women to join him. He allegedly touched her breasts and kissed her without her consent and then followed her to the bathroom, where he made her feel his privates. 

According to the former assistant, Diesel masturbated against her will. Later, she received a call from Samantha Vincent, Diesel’s sister and the head of the company that hired her, terminating her employment. 

Jonasson concluded that her termination resulted from her rejecting Diesel’s sexual advances. Jonasson’s lawyer, Claire-Lise Kutlay, said that she hopes her client’s bravery will inspire other survivors and challenge the culture of impunity for powerful men who harass women at work.   

Vin Diesel Denies the Sexual Assault Allegations

Vin Diesel denied the sexual assault allegations made by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson. He said that they were “outlandish” and “false.” 

Diesel’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said that the actor “categorically denies” the claims and that Jonasson was not his assistant but a hired driver who worked for him for a few days. Freedman and other commenters argue that Jonasson is trying to exploit the new laws in California that allow more time for legal action in cases of sexual crimes. 

The attorney reassured the public, saying Diesel has a long history of supporting women’s rights and empowerment and that he is a devoted partner and father. He is also ready to defend Diesel in court and prove his innocence with sufficient evidence.

About The New AB 2777 California Law

According to the lawsuit, Jonasson’s case against Vin Diesel was made possible by a new California law that gives more time to adult survivors of sexual assault to seek legal recourse. 

The law, known as AB 2777 or the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2022 and took effect on January 1, 2023. It revives claims of sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2009, that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. 

The new AB 2777 law validates claims of sexual assault that happened on or after the plaintiff’s 18th birthday. It also applies when one or more entities are legally responsible for damages and the entity or their agents engaged in a cover-up.

According to the law, a cover-up is any act or omission that conceals, misrepresents, or prevents the disclosure of the sexual assault or the identity of the perpetrator. Ultimately, AB 2777 law is part of a broader effort to reform the legal system and protect the rights of victims of sexual crimes in California.

Asta Jonasson’s Demands from Vin Diesel 

According to Jonasson’s lawyer, Claire-Lise Kutlay, she wants compensation for the harm she suffered because of Diesel’s actions. However, she’s yet to specify how much money she is asking for. 

Jonasson claims that Diesel violated her rights as a woman and as an employee and created a toxic and abusive work environment for her. She alleges that Diesel fired her unjustly and deliberately caused her severe emotional trauma. 

In addition to these claims, she is suing for other legal violations, such as assault, battery, negligence, and invasion of privacy.

Some of Vin Diesel’s Other Controversies 

Vin Diesel ensured a level-headed career with no sexual assault charges except the recent ones by Asta Jonasson. However, the famous actor has a few controversies surrounding his name.

For example, Vin Diesel and Charlize Theron shared a kiss in The Fate of the Furious, and Vin Diesel claimed Charlize Theron loved it. However, Charlize Theron denied his claims and said the kiss felt uncomfortable and unnatural, and she eventually mocked Vin Diesel for being dishonest.

Vin Diesel also had a public feud with Dwayne Johnson, who accused him of being difficult, unprofessional, and manipulative on the set of the Fast and Furious franchise. The two actors have not reconciled and have avoided working together since the conflict.

What’s Next for Asta Jonasson Vs. Vin Diesel?

The Asta Jonasson Vs. Vin Diesel’s lawsuit was filed on December 21, 2023, in Los Angeles Superior Court. It stands on the state’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allows victims to sue irrespective of specific statutes of limitations. 

The next step for the case is where both parties exchange information and evidence related to the claims. The issue may also go to mediation or settlement negotiations, where the parties will try to reach an agreement without going to trial. 

However, if they reach no settlement, the case will proceed to trial, where a jury will decide the outcome. For now, no trial date has been set as the court is still assessing the lawsuit.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Asta Jonasson claims that Diesel violated her rights as a woman by masturbating in front of her, trying to take off her underwear, and touching her without her consent. However, Diesel, through his lawyer, has denied the allegations.

Diesel’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said that the actor “categorically denies” the claims and that Jonasson was not his assistant but a hired driver who worked for him for a few days. Nevertheless, the court has yet to appoint a trial date for the case where both parties will defend their claims.