Jury awards $1.68 billion to 40 women in James Toback sexual misconduct lawsuit
A New York jury awarded $1.68 billion in damages to 40 women who accused filmmaker James Toback of sexual assault and abuse, sending a strong message to Hollywood about accountability.
A New York State jury awarded $1.68 billion to 40 women who accused filmmaker James Toback of sexual misconduct, including assault, coercion, and psychological abuse. This historic ruling includes $280 million in compensatory damages and $1.4 billion in punitive damages.
The case, initially sparked by a New York Times investigation into Toback's abusive behavior, highlights the continuing impact of the #MeToo movement and its efforts to hold powerful figures responsible.
The allegations against James Toback
James Toback, better known for his film Bugsy in 1991, was accused by 40 women of using his influence in the industry to coerce them into sexual activities under the guise of professional opportunities.
These incidents occurred between 1979 and 2014, and many women have testified about how he framed these encounters as auditions.
What is New York's Adult Survivors Act?
The New York Adult Survivors Act is a law that allows survivors of sexual abuse who did not have the opportunity to seek legal counsel, to file civil lawsuits even if the statute of limitations has passed. These can include rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, and predatory sexual assault.
This law allowed the women involved in the Toback case to file their claims, even though the incidents occurred decades ago.
Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and musician Sean "Diddy" Combs have also been sued under the act.
James Toback’s denials and defense
Toback has always denied the allegations, saying he had a condition which made it “biologically impossible” for him to have engaged in the behavior described by the plaintiffs. He also added that he had never met or interacted with the women who accused him or, if he did, it was brief.
Despite his attempts to discredit the claims, the fact that over 400 women contacted The New York Times with accusations of sexual harassment by him, did not help his case.