American actor Vin Diesel accused of sexual assault

By Taiwo Okanlawon

American actor and film producer Vin Diesel is facing allegations of sexual assault from his former personal assistant, Asta Jonasson.

Jonasson alleges that the actor, known for his role in the Fast & Furious series, overpowered her, disregarding her non-consent and groping her in his hotel suite at Atlanta.

According to her, the incident happened during the filming of ‘Fast Five’ in 2010, when Diesel invited her into his suit at the Regis Hotel and forced her into his bed.

The lawsuit claims he pinned her against a wall and engaged in unwanted sexual acts.

Diesel’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, vehemently denies the allegations.

Jonasson is also suing Diesel’s firm, alleging wrongful termination by Diesel’s company, hours after the incident.

The filing read in part, “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 and she had resisted his sexual assaults.

“Ms. Jonasson felt like she was a piece of trash to be discarded. 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.”

The suit was filed in California under the state’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act. Enacted in 2022, the legislation provides a one-year window for sexual assault survivors to file suits even when such cases have exceeded the statute of limitations.