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Vin Diesel, known for his role in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, has been accused of sexual battery by a former assistant, as reported by Rolling Stone. The lawsuit, filed on December 21, 2023, by Asta Jonasson, alleges that the actor sexually assaulted her during the filming of “Fast Five” in Atlanta back in the fall of 2010.
According to Jonasson, the incident occurred in September 2010 when she was asked to wait for Diesel in his St. Regis hotel suite, where he was accompanied by club hostesses. Once alone, Jonasson claims Diesel forcefully grabbed her wrists and led her to his bed. She detailed that the actor proceeded to touch her inappropriately, groping her breasts, kissing her chest, and running his hands along her body despite her objections. She expressed feeling unable to resist due to fear of repercussions from her supervisor. The situation escalated when Jonasson tried to leave the room, but Diesel allegedly persisted in his advances, even masturbating in front of her. Eventually, he released her, leaving her stranded in the suite for hours before informing her that she had been fired from her job.
Asta Jonasson, empowered by recent social movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up, decided to come forward more than a decade after the assault occurred. Her decision was influenced by the fear of repercussions within an industry known for protecting powerful figures and silencing survivors of sexual harassment and assault. While this accusation marks the first public sexual assault allegation against Diesel, the actor has a history of questionable behavior, including a public dispute with Charlize Theron in 2017 regarding their on-screen kiss. Theron described the kiss as “psychotic” on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” countering Diesel’s claims of her enjoyment.
Moreover, Diesel has faced criticism for alleged unprofessional conduct on set, such as arriving late and being unprepared with his lines. Despite navigating past controversies, Diesel now confronts serious allegations of sexual assault brought forth by Jonasson.