James Toback Ordered to Pay $1.68 Billion After Sexual Assault Trial

In a significant judgment, director James Toback was instructed to pay approximately $1.68 billion following a seven-day sexual misconduct trial where 40 women testified against him. Toback had been one of the early figures targeted during the #MeToo movement in 2017, with actresses such as Julianne Moore and Ellen Pompeo publicly accusing him of harassment. Brad Beckworth, an attorney for the plaintiffs, commented on the verdict, saying “I believe the jury made their stance quite clear.” He further added, “We wanted their voices to be heard and echo across the nation, sending a message that we will not tolerate abuses of power against women.” The jury ruled $280 million in compensatory damages and an additional $1.4 billion in punitive damages. Toback was absent during the proceedings.

Over 300 individuals have come forward since the initial Los Angeles Times report, accusing Harvey Weinstein of harassment. Allegations include him approaching women under false pretenses as a renowned director, enticing them to another location, and sexually assaulting them. As plaintiff Mary Monahan told The Times, “This will be his enduring legacy, without a doubt.” “It won’t be ‘Bugsy.’ And that is incredibly validating. A jury listened to us and a jury trusted our accounts.

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2025-04-10 06:53