The James Toback sexual assault lawsuit just exploded into one of the most jaw-dropping courtroom verdicts we’ve seen in the post-#MeToo era.
On Wednesday, a New York jury slapped the disgraced director with a whopping $1.68 billion judgment after 40 women accused him of decades-long sexual abuse. Yeah, billion – with a B. The verdict includes $280 million in compensatory damages and an additional $1.4 billion in punitive damages meant to punish Toback’s absolutely vile and malicious behavior.
If the name rings a bell, James Toback is the guy behind films like Black and White (1999) and Two Girls and a Guy (1998), and he was even nominated for an Oscar for writing Bugsy (1991). But instead of showing up to defend himself in court, he ghosted the entire process. No lawyer, no statements, no courtroom appearances. That move earned him a default judgment back in January, which paved the way for this massive payout.
The James Toback sexual assault lawsuit first made waves when The Los Angeles Times published an exposé revealing more than 30 women had accused him of harassment. Toback denied the claims, saying he didn’t even know most of the women, and bizarrely claimed that his diabetes and heart condition made the alleged behavior “biologically impossible.” Clearly, the jury wasn’t buying it.
The 2022 lawsuit laid it all out – how Toback used his Hollywood clout to lure young women into private meetings, promising career opportunities and auditions. But those meetings turned into traumatic experiences where he pressured women to undress, masturbated in front of them, and even ejaculated on them without consent. Some women tried to escape, only to be physically trapped. Others were told that if they spoke out, Toback would end their careers—dropping his alleged mob connections as a threat.
Brad Beckworth, one of the attorneys representing the survivors, didn’t mince words. He called the verdict a “reckoning,” saying it’s about reclaiming power from abusers. Beckworth added that the #MeToo movement may have sparked necessary conversations, but clearly, the fight is far from over. “We still have a lot of people who abuse power and many more who turn a blind eye to it,” he said.
What’s especially disturbing is how long this all went on. The James Toback sexual assault lawsuit covers allegations going all the way back to 1979, continuing up until 2014. That’s four decades of silence, fear, and intimidation that finally broke thanks to the New York Adult Survivors Act. The law, which lifted the statute of limitations on sex-related claims for a one-year window, opened the door for these 40 women—and others in similar situations – to finally get their day in court.
Other big names like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bill Cosby, and Jimmy Iovine have also been hit with lawsuits under the same act, but the James Toback sexual assault lawsuit might be the most financially devastating one yet. And while New York doesn’t cap punitive damages, legal experts say the final payout might get reduced on appeal since there are still some limits based on how much compensatory damages are awarded. Still, $1.68 billion is one hell of a statement.
What’s even wilder is that Toback hasn’t responded at all. No public statement, no legal rebuttal, nothing. And considering he’s now being ordered to pay an amount most people can’t even wrap their heads around, his silence is deafening.
The James Toback sexual assault lawsuit isn’t just about money, though. It’s a symbol of justice long delayed but finally served. These women stood up, spoke out, and refused to back down – even when the system seemed stacked against them. And they did it not just for themselves but for everyone who’s ever been told to stay quiet, to let it go, to not rock the boat.
What do you think about this historic verdict?
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
Source:https://themusicessentials.com/entertainment/james-toback-silence-costs-him-1-68-billion-in-historic-assault-verdict/