Vin Diesel accused of sexual battery in lawsuit by former assistant

The Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel is facing a lawsuit from a former assistant who claims he sexually assaulted her in a hotel room during the filming of Fast Five in 2010. 

The lawsuit, filed on December 21, 2023, is the first of its kind to be made possible by the #MeToo legislation that allows survivors of sexual harassment and abuse to seek justice without fear of retaliation.

According to the lawsuit, the assistant, whose name has not been disclosed, worked for Diesel as his personal assistant and travel coordinator for several months while he was shooting Fast Five in Miami. She alleges that on October 10, 2010, she accompanied Diesel to a suite at the St. Regis hotel, where he offered her a drink and then proceeded to touch her breasts and buttocks without her consent. She says she tried to push him away and told him to stop, but he ignored her and forced himself on her.

The lawsuit also claims that Diesel threatened to fire her if she reported the incident or spoke to anyone about it. She says she suffered from physical and emotional trauma as a result of the assault, which left her feeling violated, ashamed, and afraid. She says she sought medical attention and counseling after the incident, but did not report it until now because she feared losing her job and reputation.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for sexual battery, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and violation of civil rights. It also asks for an injunction to prevent Diesel from contacting or approaching the plaintiff or anyone associated with her.

Diesel has not publicly commented on the lawsuit yet. His representatives did not respond to requests for comment from any media outlets as of yet.

Diesel is best known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise, which has grossed over $6 billion worldwide since its debut in 2001. He has also starred in other action films such as xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), The Chronicles of Riddick (2004-2013), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and The Fate of the Furious (2017). He is also an executive producer and co-founder of One Race Films, a production company that specializes in action films.

This is not the first time that Diesel has been involved in a legal dispute over his movies. In 2019, he was sued by George Zakk, a producer who claimed he was shut out of the sequel xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017). Zakk alleged that he had oral contracts with Diesel and Revolution Studios (the original producer) that entitled him to credit and compensation for any sequels of films he helped create. A California appeals court revived Zakk’s lawsuit in March 2023.

The lawsuit also reveals some details about the production of Fast Five, which was filmed in various locations around the world, including Miami, Abu Dhabi, Rio de Janeiro, and London. The assistant claims that Diesel was often absent from the set and rarely communicated with her or the crew. She says that he would show up late or not at all for meetings and calls, and that he would make decisions without consulting anyone. She also alleges that he would make inappropriate comments and gestures towards her and other female cast members, and that he would pressure them to do things they were not comfortable with.

The assistant says that she tried to report Diesel’s behavior to his agent and manager, but they did nothing to help her. She also says that she confided in some of her co-stars, such as Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and Tyrese Gibson, but they either ignored her or told her to keep quiet. She says that she felt isolated and betrayed by everyone around her.

The assistant is seeking not only monetary damages for the sexual assault, but also punitive damages for the emotional distress and humiliation she suffered. She is also asking for a jury trial and a public apology from Diesel. She says that she hopes that by speaking out, she can help other victims of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry.

Diesel has not responded to the allegations yet. His representatives have not commented on the lawsuit either. It is unclear how this lawsuit will affect his career or his upcoming projects. Some fans have expressed their support for him on social media, while others have condemned him for his alleged actions.