Vin Diesel has been accused of sexual battery, discrimination, wrongful termination, and numerous other claims in a new lawsuit filed by a former assistant in Los Angeles.
First reported by Vanity Fair, the new lawsuit was brought by Asta Jonasson, who worked for Diesel’s company in 2010. The lawsuit alleges that Diesel pinned Jonasson, groped her, and forced her to touch his erect penis, among other accusations. Jonasson also claims another One Race employee made unwanted advances during her tenure at the company.
Jonasson, who was hired to accompany Diesel to parties and organize events among other duties, was allegedly fired shortly after the incident. She says she worked for One Race for less than two weeks.
“Ms. Jonasson was fired for courageously resisting Vin Diesel’s sexual assault, Vin Diesel would be protected, and his sexual assault covered up,” the complaint says. “Ms. Jonasson felt helpless, her self-esteem was demolished, and she questioned her own skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement.”
Prior to taking the position, Jonasson says she signed a non-disclosure agreement that kept her from reporting the incident. She ultimately filed a lawsuit thanks to California’s Speak Out act, which grants exemptions from NDAs in cases of sexual abuse that took place in 2009 or later.
The incident allegedly took place while Diesel was filming Fast Five. Diesel has been a controversial figure in the years since, with Fast X director Justin Lin quitting during the film’s production due to disagreements with the actor.
Diesel has yet to speak publicly on the allegations. IGN has reached out to Diesel’s representatives for comment.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
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