Wednesday, August 19, 2026

‘Fast and Furious’ star Vin Diesel faces allegations of sexual battery from ex-assistant

The actor is yet to publicly say anything about the issue.

• December 22, 2023
Vin Diesel
Vin Diesel [Credit: Pulse Nigeria]

Mark Sinclair, popularly known as Vin Diesel, faces a lawsuit in Los Angeles as his former assistant accused him of sexual battery in an incident dating back to 2010.

The ‘Fast and Furious’ star allegedly assaulted his assistant while she was working for him during the filming of Fast Five.

According to BBC the assistant Asta Jonasson, claimed in the lawsuit that Diesel forcibly overpowered her in his hotel suite despite her clear verbal objections, and forced her to watch him engage in sexual activities.

She claimed that after she screamed and ran towards the nearby bathroom, the actor pinned her to a wall as he touched himself. 

The suit claimed that “Ms Jonasson felt helpless, her self esteem was demolished, and she questioned her own skills and whether a successful career would require her to trade her body for advancement.”

The lawsuit claims that just a few hours after the incident, the actor’s sister, Samantha Vincent, who oversees his production company One Race Films, reached out to her and terminated her employment. 

She is filing a lawsuit against both the actor’s sister and his production company for wrongful termination, asserting that the company let her go within hours of the reported assault. 

Alongside the accusation of sexual battery, her legal action includes allegations of gender discrimination, unlawful retaliation, emotional distress, and wrongful termination.

Bryan Freedman, Diesel’s attorney, stated in writing to CNN on Thursday that Vin Diesel unequivocally denies the entire claim.

“This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13 year old claim made by a purportedly 9 day employee,” he said.

The actor is yet to publicly say anything about the issue.

In a statement to BBC News, Claire-Lise Kutlay, Jonasson’s lawyer conveyed that their client aims to hold Vin Diesel, along with those who permitted and concealed his alleged sexual assault, accountable for what is described as horrifying actions.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Governor Dikko Radda

States

Gombe govt approves N260 million for relocation of grain market

According to him, moving the grain market to Dukku Road is expected to reduce traffic congestion.

NAPTIP

Rights

NAPTIP seeks media, government agencies’ collaboration to end SGBV in Nigeria

Ms Bello said SGBV remained one of the most common human rights violations in Nigeria.

Ngock, Chawinga, Bihina, Dafeaur among top 10 stars at 2026 WAFCON

Sport

FULL LIST : FIFA names Ngock, Chawinga, Bihina, Dafeaur among top 10 stars at 2026 WAFCON

Ngock was named Player of the Tournament following Cameroon’s historic victory against Malawi.

Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii

States

Ebonyi: PDP governorship candidate urges residents to embrace peace ahead of 2027 elections 

The governorship candidate stressed that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into violence.

Sudan and South Sudan flags

Africa

Sudan, South Sudan revive security talks after defence minister’s visit

The minister said continued cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan was important to maintaining stability.

Weekend flooding in Abuja

Abuja

Blocked drainage infrastructure cause of Abuja flash flooding: FG

The ministry said proactive drainage management is necessary to restore hydraulic functionality.