Judge Dismisses Vin Diesel’s Sexual Assault Lawsuit on Technical Grounds

A California judge has dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against actor Vin Diesel, ruling on technical grounds. This lawsuit was filed by Asta Jonasson, Diesel’s former personal assistant, two years ago, alleging sexual battery, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

Judge’s Ruling and Legal Grounds

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Daniel M. Crowley ruled on Wednesday that Jonasson’s six remaining claims were not applicable under California law. The judge noted that the alleged incident occurred in Georgia, during the production of the film “Fast Five” in September 2010. He highlighted that applying California law to this case was not permissible.

• Claims were based on conduct that occurred outside California.
• Jonasson was an employee in Georgia at the time of the alleged assault.

Details of the Allegations

In her lawsuit, Jonasson alleged that Diesel engaged in inappropriate behavior during their professional relationship. She claimed that the actor forcibly grabbed her and made unwanted advances after a party in a hotel suite. The specific events outlined in the lawsuit included groping and inappropriate sexual actions.

Legal Representation and Next Steps

Jonasson’s attorney, Matthew Hale, stated that they are considering their next move, which might involve an appeal against the judge’s decision. He emphasized that the case’s dismissal did not imply that Jonasson’s allegations were untrue.

Diesel’s legal team welcomed the verdict. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, expressed relief that the court had dismissed what they viewed as a meritless lawsuit, asserting that the claims against Diesel were unfounded.

Statutes of Limitations and AB 2777

Judge Crowley’s ruling also considered California’s statutes of limitations. He determined that Jonasson’s claims were beyond these limits and could not be revived under AB 2777, which allows for certain sexual assault claims to be filed even after previous deadlines have expired. However, the judge noted that this statute did not extend its reach to actions occurring in another state, such as Georgia.

• Jonasson’s claims were dismissed based on the statute of limitations.
• AB 2777’s applicability was limited to California-based incidents.

Response from Legal Representatives

In the prior hearings, both sides presented their arguments. Hale insisted that there were significant connections between Jonasson’s experience and California law, given that both she and Diesel resided there. Meanwhile, Diesel’s lawyers maintained that the nature of the allegations necessitated adherence to jurisdictional boundaries set by California’s penal code.

As the legal discussions unfold, both parties remain keen on finding clarity and resolution regarding this dismissed lawsuit. The focus continues to be on the implications of jurisdiction and the definitions of workplace conduct within the context of law.