Vin Diesel files to dismiss ex-assistant’s sexual battery lawsuit, denies ‘each and every allegation’

Erin Keller
·2 min read
Vin Diesel files to dismiss ex-assistant's sexual battery lawsuit, denies 'each and every allegation'
Vin Diesel files to dismiss ex-assistant's sexual battery lawsuit, denies 'each and every allegation'
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Vin Diesel is asking a Los Angeles judge to dismiss the sexual battery lawsuit brought upon him by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson.

The 56-year-old “Fast and the Furious” actor filed legal documents this week asking that the case be thrown out and that Jonasson pay his legal fees, according to docs obtained by People magazine.

The papers reportedly claim that Diesel “denies, generally and specifically, each and every allegation of Plaintiff’s Complaint and further denies that Plaintiff is entitled to any relief whatsoever as against Defendant and that Plaintiff has been damaged as alleged, or in any other sum or sums, or at all.”

The alleged assault took place in 2010 during production of “Fast Five.” ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
The alleged assault took place in 2010 during production of “Fast Five.” ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

The Post has contacted Diesel’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, for comment.

Jonasson filed the lawsuit back in December, alleging that Diesel forcibly pulled her onto a bed, groped her breasts and legs, and masturbated at a hotel in 2010 during the filming of “Fast Five.”

“Ms. Jonasson was afraid to more forcibly refuse her supervisor, knowing that getting him out of that room was both crucial to her personal safety and job security,” the suit read. “But this hope died when Vin Diesel dropped to his knees, pushed Ms. Jonasson’s dress up toward her waist, and molested her body, running his hands over Ms. Jonasson’s upper legs, including her inner thighs.”

Vin Diesel speaks onstage during the 37th annual American Cinematheque Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Feb. 15 in Beverly Hills, California. Getty Images for American Cinematheque
Vin Diesel speaks onstage during the 37th annual American Cinematheque Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Feb. 15 in Beverly Hills, California. Getty Images for American Cinematheque
Diesel (left) and Paul Walker in “Fast Five.” ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
Diesel (left) and Paul Walker in “Fast Five.” ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

She also sued for discrimination based on sex/gender, intentional infliction of emotional distress, a hostile work environment, wrongful termination and retaliation.

The suit accuses Diesel and his production company, One Race, of attempting to cover up the alleged incident, and claimed Jonasson “has suffered and continues to suffer humiliation, emotional distress, and mental and physical pain and anguish.”

In December, Freedman told The Post in a statement: “Let me be very clear: Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety. This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13-year-old claim made by a purportedly 9-day employee. There is clear evidence which completely refutes these outlandish allegations.”

Diesel attends the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” European gala event at the Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023. Getty Images
Diesel attends the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” European gala event at the Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023. Getty Images

Shortly after Jonasson’s filing, a 2017 interview with Diesel and Brazilian YouTuber Carol Moreira made its rounds on social media because of the “XXX: Return of Xander Cage” star hitting on the interviewer.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-330-0226.