Several individuals, including Vin Diesel, Tommy Lee, Jermaine Jackson, and others, are currently dealing with sexual abuse lawsuits brought under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which remains in effect until December 31, 2026.
This legislation allows victims to revive claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.
The law’s purpose is to provide alleged victims with a second opportunity to pursue claims that they might not have been able or willing to pursue within the legal timeline.
According to legal experts, sexual assault and abuse are significantly underreported crimes, often due to victims feeling ashamed or reluctant to relive their trauma in a public trial.
Ethan Krasnoo, a Partner at Reavis Page Jump LLP, explains that the pressure of filing a lawsuit or losing the opportunity altogether can motivate victims to contact a lawyer.
The #MeToo movement played a crucial role in empowering victims to come forward, shedding light on the prevalence of such crimes.
The cases involve serious allegations against prominent figures.
Vin Diesel faces a lawsuit for sexual battery filed by his former assistant, Asta Jonasson, who accuses him of assaulting her during the filming of “Fast Five.”
Tommy Lee is sued for gender violence and sexual assault, while Jermaine Jackson is accused of sexual assault, with allegations of Berry Gordy covering it up.
Additionally, Paula Abdul has sued “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe, claiming sexual assaults during the early seasons of the show and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Lythgoe vehemently denies the allegations, describing them as false and offensive, and pledges to fight them with everything he has.
