Vin Diesel, the US actor, is being sued by Asta Jonasson, his former personal assistant, over an alleged sexual assault in 2010.
In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, Jonasson alleged that the sexual battery took place at St Regis Hotel in Atlanta during the filming of ‘Fast Five’.
She claimed that the actor pinned her to a wall as he performed a sex act on himself.
The lawsuit alleges that Diesel “ignored Jonasson’s clear statements of non-consent” as he groped her.
The former assistant claimed that after the incident, she was contacted by Samantha Vincent, the actor’s sister — who runs One Race Films, Diesel’s production company — and was fired.
The lawsuit includes charges of wrongful termination, gender discrimination, illegal retaliation, and emotional distress.
Jonasson also claimed she felt exploited for Diesel’s desires.
“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,” the suit alleges.
“Ms Jonasson felt helpless, her self-esteem was demolished, and she questioned her skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement.”
However, Bryan Freedman, Diesel’s lawyer, denied the claims, arguing that this was the first time his client had heard of the accusation.
“This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13-year-old claim made by a purportedly 9-day employee,” he said.
Diesel has appeared in more than 60 TV and film titles.
He is also among the producers of the global hit franchise of ‘Fast & Furious’ films.
He has several upcoming projects in the works, including “Fast X: Part 2.”
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